Methods and apparatus for the detection of moisture and multifunctional sensor systems

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a U.S. national phase of PCT/US2014/055066, filed on Sep. 11, 2014, which claims the benefit of and priority to, and is a continuation-in-part of PCT application Ser. No. PCT/US2014/024214, filed Mar. 12, 2014, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/899,655, filed on Nov. 4, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/820,768, filed on May 8, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/778,830, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY

0002The subject matter described herein relates to bed systems, patient support apparatuses, healthcare communication systems, methods and apparatuses for the detection of incontinence or other moisture, methods of analysis of detected fluids, and multifunctional sensor systems. The present invention may comprise one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or one or more of the following features or combinations thereof.

0003At least one embodiment of a method of detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support includes the steps of providing one or more moisture responsive sensors in an occupant support, exciting the sensors with an electromagnetic signal; monitoring for a response from the sensors; comparing the response to an expected response; and based on the comparison, issuing an output.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the various embodiments of the methods and apparatuses described herein will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref> are simplified schematic side elevation and plan views of an embodiment of an occupant support exemplified as a bed such as a hospital bed and showing a sensor mat resting on a mattress of the bed and also showing associated components of a system for detecting moisture on the occupant support.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a method for interrogating one or more sensors to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a simplified graph showing the Return Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of an RFID sensor in a baseline state (solid line) and in a mistuned state (dashed line), which mistuned state may be attributable to the presence of moisture on the RFID.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a simplified block diagram showing another embodiment of a method of interrogating one or more sensors to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-7</figref> are simplified illustrations showing two possible ways to calculate a derivative for use in the method of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a simplified schematic view of an embodiment of a system for detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a simplified block diagram showing another embodiment of a method of interrogating one or more sensors to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a simplified block diagram similar to that of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> showing an embodiment of a method of interrogating one or more sensors to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support and to analyze moisture which may be present.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> shows a simplified sample correlation for use in the method of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a simplified schematic view of an embodiment of a system for detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support or for detecting the displacement of one or more sensors, or both.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13-14</figref> are simplified schematic plan views each showing an embodiment of a sensor array and an example response to the presence of moisture in contact with at least one of the individual sensors.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a simplified block diagram showing an embodiment of a method of detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support and distinguishing between moisture presence and sensor displacement relative to some initial sensor position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a simplified block diagram showing another embodiment of a method of detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support, detecting displacement of a moisture sensor or both.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a simplified diagram of an embodiment of a system in which a transceiver for exciting an RFID tag is integrated into an occupant support.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18-23</figref> are simplified schematic side elevation views showing variants of an embodiment of an architecture for a moisture detection article or pad such as an incontinence pad.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24-26</figref> are simplified depictions of variants of an embodiment of an architecture for a moisture handling apparatus, which may be an incontinence pad, in which a capillary property directs moisture from a source to a destination.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 27-29</figref> are simplified depictions of variants of an embodiment of an architecture for a moisture handling apparatus, which may be an incontinence pad in which the pad has a hydroaffinity property for directing moisture from a source to a destination.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 30-32</figref> are simplified depictions of variants of an embodiment of an architecture for a color changing moisture detecting system, which may be an incontinence pad.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> is a simplified depiction of an embodiment of an architecture of another moisture detecting system, which may be an incontinence pad, and which indicates moisture presence as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation and which may use a camera to detect changes indicative of the presence of moisture on a previously dry surface.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref> is a simplified depiction of an embodiment of a sensor pad having an RFID tag with a processor adapted to process inputs obtained from multiple sensors which have different parameter sensing capabilities.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 35-36</figref> is a simplified depiction of an embodiment of a system including a sensor pad which may be an incontinence pad, and which includes a switch and a fuse in the form of a patch of material and in which the switch has an open state in which the fuse impedes the establishment of an electrical connection between switch terminals and a closed state in which the fuse enables the establishment of the electrical connection in response to a stimulus having acted on the fuse.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref> is a simplified depiction of an alternative embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 35-36</figref> in which the fuse is a membrane.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 38-39</figref> are simplified depictions of alternative embodiments of the system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 35-36</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 40-41</figref> are simplified schematic views showing an embodiment of a sensor in the form of an RFID tag having two antenna segments and which includes a bridge which is transitionable between a first state in which a separator impedes unification of the segments and a second state in which the separator does not impede unification of the segments and in which transition from the first state to the second state occurs in response to an agent acting on the separator.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 42</figref> is a simplified schematic view of an embodiment of a bed with an incontinence pad and a sensor and also having a set of bed antennas each of which is associated with a sector of the bed for distinguishing between the presence of moisture and displacement of the pad.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 43</figref> is a simplified sectional view of at least one embodiment of a moisture management apparatus including at least one sensor and a number of internal layers of material having varying moisture absorption properties.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 44</figref> is a simplified sectional view of at least one embodiment of a moisture management apparatus including at least one sensor and a number of internal layers of material having varying moisture absorption properties.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 45</figref> is a simplified plan view of at least one embodiment of an internal layer of a moisture management apparatus and a sensor positioned near an edge of the internal layer, where the internal layer includes material having moisture transfer properties configured to transfer moisture toward the sensor.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 46</figref> is a simplified plan view of at least one embodiment of an internal layer of a moisture management apparatus and a sensor positioned near an central portion of the internal layer, where the internal layer includes material having moisture transfer properties configured to transfer moisture toward the sensor.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 47</figref> is a simplified sectional view of at least one embodiment of a moisture management apparatus including at least two sensors positioned in different layers of the moisture management apparatus, and a simplified schematic view of a computer system in wireless communication with the sensors of the moisture management apparatus.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 48</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of at least one embodiment of a method for detecting a moisture event with a moisture management apparatus as disclosed herein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref> is a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of a computing system including moisture management features as disclosed herein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 50</figref> is a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of the bed system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 51-52</figref> are simplified plan views of illustrative user interface devices of the bed system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 53</figref> is a simplified plan view of at least one embodiment of an internal layer of a moisture management apparatus, including a sensor and a moisture-responsive circuit.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref> is a simplified perspective view of at least one embodiment of a sensor sheet as disclosed herein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref> is a simplified top plan view of a portion of the sensor sheet of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref>, with a portion of a detuning material cut away to show connections of sensor traces to a sensor, as disclosed herein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 56</figref> is a simplified sectional view of the sensor sheet of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref>, cut along the line <b>56</b>-<b>56</b>, and also showing a similar view of at least one embodiment of a pad in which the sensor sheet may be incorporated.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 57</figref> is a simplified perspective view of at least one embodiment of a patient support apparatus, showing, schematically, sensor detection antennas and monitoring zones, as disclosed herein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 58</figref> is a simplified perspective view of at least one embodiment of a wearable pad including a sensor sheet, as disclosed herein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref> is a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of a computing system including sensor event detection features as disclosed herein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 60</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of a sensor detection process that may be executed by a computing system, as disclosed herein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 61</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of a sensor detection process that may be executed by electrical circuitry, as disclosed herein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 62</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of a sensor authentication process that may be executed by electrical circuitry, as disclosed herein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 63</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of a sensor event notification process that may be executed by electrical circuitry, as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0000System for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality.

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A-1B</figref> schematically show an occupant support <b>90</b> such as a hospital bed <b>90</b>. The occupant support <b>90</b> may be embodied as, for example, a hospital bed, a residential bed, a chair, a wheelchair, a mattress, a stretcher, a patient transport device, or other type of person support apparatus. The illustrative occupant support includes a frame <b>100</b>, and a mattress <b>102</b> supported on the frame. An incontinence pad <b>103</b> rests on the mattress in an area or zone <b>103</b>A (dashed lines) thereof in which it is desired to conduct surveillance for unwanted moisture or other moisture related abnormality. In other embodiments, the pad <b>103</b> may be disposed within or integrated with the mattress <b>102</b>. In still other embodiments, the pad <b>103</b> may be embodied as a wearable device; for example, the pad <b>103</b> may be affixed to or integrated with an undergarment or other article of clothing (e.g., by an adhesive, clip, or other fastener), or the pad <b>103</b> may be embodied as a diaper or a disposable undergarment. In the illustrated occupant support the surveillance zone is substantially congruent with the pad <b>103</b>. Although the pad is referred to as an incontinence pad and this application uses incontinence accidents (urine) as an example, the moisture of concern may be other forms of moisture such as perspiration, blood, water, perspiration, moisture present in material such as fecal matter which has moisture content, or any other type of human-generated moisture. In addition, although this application will use the pad <b>103</b> as an example, other types of articles may be used to conduct moisture surveillance in the surveillance zone. These include a bed sheet or a portion thereof, a mattress ticking or a portion thereof and a garment worn by the occupant of the occupant support.

0051The illustrative system for detecting the presence of moisture on the occupant support includes one or more moisture responsive sensors <b>104</b>, which are part of the pad <b>103</b>. The example sensor(s) described in the examples of this application are RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags or sensors. In some embodiments, the sensor(s) <b>104</b> are tuned to a center frequency. This is seen in the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, where the solid line bell shaped curve represents the tuning of the RFID sensor and the center frequency is labeled fC. When the RFID is excited by an electromagnetic signal <b>110</b> having a frequency at or near fC, for example a signal generated by a transceiver <b>112</b> such as Texas Instruments model TRF7960 transceiver, the RFID returns a return or response signal <b>114</b> whose Return Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) in the transceiver is strong. For example, considering the solid line bell shaped curve of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, if the transceiver excites the RFID at fC it receives a response whose RSSI is RSSIC. If the transceiver excites the RFID at fB (which is not near the tuned frequency), the transceiver receives a response whose RSSI is RSSIB. Whether the RSSI of the return signal is considered to be “strong” or “weak” for a given application of the RFID is determined by a designer of the given application.

0052The transceiver <b>112</b> is adapted to excite the sensor <b>104</b> with an electromagnetic signal <b>110</b> having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency of the sensor and to monitor for a center frequency response from the sensor. “Center frequency response” means the RSSI of the return signal returned as a result of the sensor having been excited at its center frequency. In these embodiments, the transceiver <b>112</b> may have a fixed center frequency. However, in other embodiments, the transceiver <b>112</b> may be able to adjust the center frequency. Further, the sensor <b>104</b> may come in contact with moisture, and the moisture on the sensor <b>104</b> may change the conductance or capacitance of the sensor <b>104</b>, with the result being that the sensor <b>104</b> is no longer tuned for the center frequency. Thus, as an alternative to comparing the sensor's response to an expected response to the center frequency, the system can monitor the differences in the RSSI over time in response to a number of different test frequencies, in order to determine whether a moisture event has occurred. For example, instead of comparing the sensor's response to an expected response, the system can compare the sensor's response to responses previously received from the sensor (e.g., the sensor's response to different test frequencies). Any of the sensor systems or methods of sensor interrogation disclosed herein may be modified as described above in accordance with the requirements of a particular design or implementation of the system.

0053The illustrated system for detecting the presence of moisture on the occupant support also includes electrical circuitry, such as a processor <b>120</b>, which is adapted to compare the center frequency response to an expected center frequency response. For example the expected center frequency response for the center frequency fC of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> (continuing to refer to the solid line bell shaped curve) is RSSIC plus or minus some tolerance, e.g. between RSSIC and RSSIX. The processor also issues an output, referred to as a first output, if the center frequency response compares favorably to an expected center frequency response, e.g. if the RSSI is between RSSIC and RSSIX. The comparison is considered to be a favorable one (and the RSSI is considered to be strong) if the RSSI is within the expected range or tolerance, for example between RSSIC and RSSIX.

0054If the center frequency response does not compare favorably with the expected center frequency response (e.g. if the return signal RSSI is a weak response such as RSSIW) this may be the result of the tuning of the RFID sensor having changed, for example due to contamination of the RFID antenna by moisture. This is indicated by the dashed line bell shaped curve. Therefore, the processor commands the transceiver to excite the sensor with one or more electromagnetic test signals having test frequencies different than the center frequency for example fT1, which exceeds fC by a specified delta frequency, fT2 which exceeds fT1 by a delta frequency, fT−1 which is smaller than fC by a delta frequency, fT−2 which is lower than fT−1 by a delta frequency, and so forth. The above mentioned delta frequencies may be equal or unequal. The processor compares the test frequency response (the response the transceiver receives as a result of having excited the RFID at the test frequency) to an expected or desired test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency. If the test frequency response from the sensor compares favorably to an expected or desired test frequency response which corresponds to the test frequency, the processor issues a second output consistent with the favorable comparison between the test frequency response and the expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> the excitation at frequency fT−1 yields a return or response signal whose RSSI at the transceiver is a strong signal whose RSSI is RSSI_T-1which is approximately equal to the return expected in response to excitation at center frequency fC. The fact that the response to fC is a weak response (RSSIB) and that the response at fT−1 is strong, reveals that the tuning of the sensor has changed, for example because of the RFID antenna having been contaminated with moisture. This is indicated by the position of the dashed line bell shaped curve relative to that of the solid line bell shaped curve.

0055The expected or desired test frequency response may be the RSSI associated with an “in-tune” RFID (plus or minus a tolerance) or may be an RSSI expected of an RFID tuned to the test frequency and which is not necessarily the same as the RSSI of the in-tune RFID. If the test frequency response from the sensor does not compare favorably to an expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency at any of the test frequencies, the processor issues a third output consistent with the unfavorable comparisons between the test frequency responses and the expected test frequency response corresponding to each of the test frequencies. In the foregoing example and many others in this application the sensor is an RFID sensor and therefore the electromagnetic excitation signals are radio frequency signals.

0000RSSI Based Method of Sensor Interrogation for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality.

0056A method of detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support, where one or more moisture responsive sensors are provided in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, is disclosed. The method includes exciting the one or more sensors with an electromagnetic signal; monitoring for a response from the one or more sensors; comparing the response to an expected response; and based on the comparing of the response to the expected response, issuing a first output. An illustrative embodiment of the method is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and described below. In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the method includes interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support. The method may be used with the architecture of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>. A moisture responsive sensor <b>104</b> is provided in the in a surveillance zone <b>103</b>A of the occupant support. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor is tuned to a center frequency fC (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>), and the sensor's response to an interrogation at the center frequency is used to detect moisture events. In other embodiments, other techniques may be used to analyze the sensor's output to determine whether a moisture event has occurred. For example, the signal strength of the signals emitted by the sensor over time may be analyzed (e.g., compared to known or threshold values, etc.). Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the signal characteristics are compared (e.g., frequency, amplitude); whereas, in other embodiments, variations in the signal characteristics are analyzed over time. For example, the rate of change of the signal frequency over time, or changes in the difference between the signal frequency and a target frequency (e.g., the center frequency) over time (as opposed to a comparison of the actual frequency values) may be used to detect the occurrence of a moisture event.

0057At block <b>200</b> the sensor is excited with an electromagnetic signal <b>110</b> having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency. At block <b>204</b> transceiver <b>112</b> monitors for and receives a center frequency response from the sensor. The response may be a strong response or a weak response. The response may also be a “null” response, i.e. a response of no discernible RSSI or other indication of strength. At block <b>206</b> microprocessor <b>120</b> compares the center frequency response to an expected or desired center frequency response. If the center frequency response at block <b>206</b> compares favorably to the expected or desired center frequency response, the method follows path <b>201</b> so that the processor issues a first output <b>208</b> consistent with the favorable comparison. As seen in the illustration the first output is an indication that an incontinence pad is present and no incontinence is detected.

0058If the center frequency response does not compare favorably with the expected center frequency response, the method follows path <b>203</b>. At block <b>208</b>A the processor causes the transceiver to excite the sensor with one or more electromagnetic test signals having test frequencies different than the center frequency. After each excitation the transceiver monitors for a test frequency response at block <b>210</b>. At block <b>212</b> the processor determines if the test frequency response from the sensor compares favorably to an expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency. If so, the method follows path <b>205</b> and processor <b>120</b> issues a second output <b>214</b> consistent with the favorable comparison between the test frequency response and the expected or desired test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency. The second output <b>214</b> is an indication that an incontinence pad is present and that incontinence has been detected. If not, the method proceeds to block <b>216</b> where the processor determines if all test frequencies of interest have been applied. If not, the method follows path <b>207</b> and applies additional test frequencies (block <b>208</b>) and continues to monitor for a return (block <b>210</b>) that compares favorably (block <b>212</b>). If all test frequencies have been applied (block <b>216</b>) without having received a favorable response (block <b>212</b>) the method follows path <b>209</b> and the processor issues a third output consistent with the unfavorable comparison between the all the test frequency responses and their corresponding expected test frequency response. The third output is an indication that an incontinence pad is absent or a fault has occurred. The conclusion that the pad is absent may mean that the pad has been removed from the mattress, or it may mean that is has been displaced along the mattress far enough that it is out of communication with the transceiver.

0059As noted above in the context of the architecture of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>, the second output may be issued in response to a favorable comparison and without first exciting the sensor at any other test frequencies. Alternatively issuance of the second output may be deferred until at least one additional test frequency has been applied to the sensor or until all test frequencies of interest have been applied to the sensor, even if an earlier applied frequency yields a favorable comparison between the test frequency response and the expected or desired response at that test frequency. That is, the second output is not issued until the sensor has been excited at at least one frequency other than the test frequency that yielded a favorable comparison.

0000Rate of Change Based Method of Sensor Interrogation for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality.

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a related method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support. The method may be used with the architecture of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>. As with the method of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> the method includes providing a moisture responsive sensor <b>104</b> in a surveillance zone <b>103</b>A of the occupant support. The sensor is tuned to a center frequency. The method also includes exciting the sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency (block <b>302</b>) as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and monitoring for and receiving a center frequency response from the sensor (which response may be a null response) (block <b>304</b>).

0061The method recognizes that the tuning of the sensor will change as a function of moisture and that the rate at which the tuning changes can indicate the presence or absence of moisture.

0062At block <b>306</b> the processor calculates a rate of change based on the center frequency responses received at different times. Referring additionally to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-7</figref> two derivative calculations are shown. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> an initial return RSSIC corresponding to an excitation frequency fC is subtracted from a return RSSIX corresponding to an excitation at the same frequency fC applied at a later time. The difference is divided by the time difference delta-t to form a crude derivative dR/dt. The existence of a nonzero derivative (taking measurement tolerances and calculation induced inaccuracies into account) may be the result of the sensors becoming progressively out of tune (i.e. shifting from the solid bell curve to the dashed curve to the dash dot curve of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>), which yields RSSI's of RSSIC, RSSIX and RSSIY at three different times. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows an alternate derivative calculation. In the alternate calculation the sensor is interrogated at fC. If the return received by the transceiver <b>112</b> changes from strong at one time t<b>0</b> to weaker at a later time tX, one or more test frequencies not equal to fC are applied at time tX (the time required to apply the one or more additional test frequencies is negligible) until a strong return is again received. The processor uses the information about which excitation frequencies FR<b>0</b>, FRX yielded strong responses, and the time between receiving the strong returns to calculate the derivative dR/dt.

0063In the method of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-6</figref>, the calculated rate of change is a function of a change in RSSI over an interval of time. In the method of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> the calculated rate of change is a function of the difference between two excitation frequencies each of which produces a response having approximately equal RSSI values and a correlation describing a relationship between the frequency change and the presence or absence of moisture. Other correlations may enable a determination of the identity or properties of the fluid, e.g. blood, perspiration, acidic fluid, alkaline fluid, and so forth.

0064Returning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the method proceeds to block <b>308</b> and compares the calculated derivative to one or more thresholds. In the example shown the derivative is compared to two thresholds Tmoist and Tmove. The processor <b>120</b> issues an output in response to the comparison as set forth in TABLE 1 below, in which the rate of change is denoted as dR/dt:

0065<tables id="TABLE-US-00001" num="00001"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="28pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="119pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" rowsep="1">TABLE 1</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>Condition</entry><entry>Issued output</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>dR/dt &lt; TMOIST</entry><entry>First (310)</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>TMOIST ≤ dR/dt &lt; TMOVE</entry><entry>Second (312)</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>TMOVE ≤ dR/dt</entry><entry>Third (314)</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0066In the context of detecting incontinence, the first output <b>310</b> is an indication that an incontinence pad is present and no incontinence is detected, the second output <b>312</b> is an indication that an incontinence pad is present and incontinence has been detected, and the third output <b>314</b> is an indication that an incontinence pad is absent.

0000System for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality Based on Protected and Exposed Sensors.

0067<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows a system for detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support. The system comprises an incontinence pad <b>103</b>, a transceiver <b>112</b> and a microprocessor <b>120</b>. The pad includes first and second moisture responsive sensors for example RFID's <b>104</b>, <b>108</b> (also labeled RFIDP and RFIDE) in a surveillance zone <b>103</b>A of an occupant support. Each sensor is tuned to a center frequency. The sensors may be tuned to approximately the same center frequency or to different center frequencies. Sensor RFIDP is enclosed in a moisture proof or moisture resistant enclosure <b>122</b> and therefore is also referred to as a protected sensor. Sensor RFIDE is not protected from moisture which may be present on the pad in the surveillance zone and therefore is referred to as an exposed sensor.

0068Transceiver <b>112</b> is adapted to excite each sensor RFIDP, RFIDE with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to its center frequency and to monitor for a center frequency response from each sensor;

0069Processor <b>120</b> is adapted to compare the center frequency response SP of the first (protected) sensor to an expected center frequency response of the first sensor and to compare the center frequency response of the second sensor SE to an expected center frequency response of the second sensor, or equivalently to assess the response as “strong” or as “weak or absent”. The processor is further adapted to issue an output as set forth in TABLE 2 below:

0070<tables id="TABLE-US-00002" num="00002"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="77pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" rowsep="1">TABLE 2</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Result of</entry><entry>Result of comparison</entry><entry /></row><row><entry>comparison (response</entry><entry>(response vs.</entry></row><row><entry>vs. expected response) or</entry><entry>expected response) or</entry></row><row><entry>assessment for first</entry><entry>assessment for second</entry></row><row><entry>(protected) sensor</entry><entry>(exposed) sensor</entry><entry>Output</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>no moisture detected</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>sensor detected</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>moisture detected</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>fault</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>sensor not present or</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>sensor moved or fault</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0071If the response from both sensors is strong, the sensors, and therefore pad <b>103</b>, are present but the system is not detecting moisture. Accordingly the output (“no moisture detected”) is consistent with that finding. If the response from the protected sensor is strong and the response from the exposed sensor is weak or absent, the mat is present (as revealed by the strong signal from the protected sensor, which, because of enclosure <b>122</b>, has not suffered any change of tuning as a result of the presence of moisture) and moisture is also present (as revealed by the weak signal from the exposed sensor which has become mistuned as a result of the presence of moisture). Accordingly the output is consistent with that finding (“moisture detected”). If the response from the protected sensor is weak or absent and the response from the exposed sensor is strong it is likely that a fault exists. Accordingly the output is consistent with that finding (“fault”). If the response from both sensors is weak or absent there may be a fault or the mat may have been removed from the occupant support mattress or the position of the pad on the mattress may have changed enough that the sensors are out of range of the transceiver.

0000Method of Sensor Interrogation for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality Based on Protected and Exposed Sensors.

0072<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a block diagram showing a method of interrogating a sensor suite (which may be a suite of two sensors as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>) to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support. The method may be used with the architecture of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref> the method includes providing first and second moisture responsive sensors <b>104</b>, <b>108</b> in a surveillance zone of the occupant support. The sensors are each tuned to a center frequency. First sensor <b>104</b> is protected from coming into contact with moisture which may be present in the surveillance zone. Second sensor <b>108</b> exposed and therefore is susceptible to coming into contact with moisture which may be present in the surveillance zone.

0073The method includes exciting each sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to its center frequency (block <b>400</b>), monitoring for and receiving a center frequency response signal SP from the first, protected sensor, and monitoring for and receiving a center frequency response signal SE from the second, exposed (unprotected) sensor. As with other embodiments the response may be a null response. The method also includes comparing the center frequency responses to an expected center frequency response for each sensor, or equivalently assessing the response from each sensor as “strong” or as “weak or absent”.

0074The method also includes issuing an output <b>410</b>, <b>412</b>, <b>414</b>, or <b>416</b> as set forth in TABLE 3 below:

0075<tables id="TABLE-US-00003" num="00003"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="77pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" rowsep="1">TABLE 3</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Result of comparison</entry><entry>Result of comparison</entry><entry /></row><row><entry>(response vs.</entry><entry>(response vs.</entry></row><row><entry>expected response) or</entry><entry>expected response) or</entry></row><row><entry>assessment for first</entry><entry>assessment for second</entry></row><row><entry>(protected) sensor</entry><entry>(exposed) sensor</entry><entry>Output</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>no moisture detected</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>sensor detected</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>moisture detected</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>fault</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>sensor not present or</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>sensor moved or fault</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables><br /> Method of Fluid Analysis.

0076<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a block diagram similar to that of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> showing a method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support and to analyze moisture which may be present. The blocks of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> which are analogous to those of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> are identified with 500-series reference numerals in lieu of the 200-series reference numerals used on <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0077The method may be used with the architecture of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>. A moisture responsive sensor <b>104</b> is provided in the surveillance zone <b>103</b>A of the occupant support. The sensor is tuned to a center frequency fC (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). At block <b>500</b> the sensor is excited with an electromagnetic signal <b>110</b> having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency. At block <b>504</b> transceiver <b>112</b> monitors for and receives a center frequency response from the sensor. The response may be a strong response or a weak response. The response may also be a “null” response, i.e. a response of no discernible RSSI or other indication of strength. At block <b>506</b> microprocessor <b>120</b> compares the center frequency response to an expected or desired center frequency response. If the center frequency response at block <b>506</b> compares favorably to the expected or desired center frequency response, the method follows path <b>501</b> so that the processor issues a first output <b>508</b> consistent with the favorable comparison. As seen in the illustration the first output is an indication that a moisture detecting device is present and no moisture or fluid is detected.

0078If the center frequency response does not compare favorably with the expected center frequency response at block <b>506</b>, the method follows path <b>503</b>. At block <b>508</b>A the processor causes the transceiver to excite the sensor with one or more electromagnetic test signals having test frequencies different than the center frequency. After each excitation the transceiver monitors for a test frequency response at block <b>510</b>. At block <b>512</b> the processor determines if the test frequency response from the sensor compares favorably to an expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency. If not, the method proceeds to block <b>516</b> where the processor determines if all test frequencies of interest have been applied. If not, the method follows path <b>507</b> and applies additional test frequencies (block <b>508</b>) and continues to monitor for a return (block <b>510</b>) that compares favorably (block <b>512</b>).

0079Upon detecting a test frequency response that compares favorably to an expected test frequency at block <b>512</b>, the method proceeds along path <b>505</b> to block <b>512</b>A where the method correlates the test frequency response with a relationship between test frequency response and fluid identity, fluid properties or both. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> shows a sample correlation for test frequencies higher than and lower than the center frequency fC. As seen in the illustration the correlation relates a strong RSSI return at a specified frequency to the identity and/or properties of a fluid which, as a result of having contaminated the RFID, retunes the RFID to a frequency other than its noncontaminated center frequency, i.e. to the frequency correlated with the fluid or fluid property. The method then issues a second output <b>514</b> consistent with the favorable comparison between the test frequency response and the expected test frequency response and also consistent with the correlation. The second output is an indication that a moisture sensing device is present and that moisture has been detected and is also an indication of the identity of the fluid, the type of fluid or both as defined by the relationship between test frequency response and fluid identity, fluid properties or both.

0080If, at block <b>516</b>, the method determines that all test frequencies have been applied (block <b>516</b>) without having received a favorable response (block <b>512</b>) the method follows path <b>509</b> and the processor issues a third output <b>520</b> consistent with the unfavorable comparison between all the test frequency responses and their corresponding expected test frequency response. The third output is an indication that a moisture sensing device is absent or a fault has occurred. The conclusion that the device is absent may mean that it has been removed from the mattress, or it may mean that it has been displaced along the mattress far enough that it is out of communication with the transceiver.

0081As noted above in the context of the architecture of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>, the second output may be issued in response to an initial favorable comparison at block <b>512</b> and without first exciting the sensor at any other test frequencies. Alternatively issuance of the second output may be deferred until at least one additional test frequency has been applied to the sensor or until all test frequencies of interest have been applied to the sensor, even if an earlier applied frequency yields a favorable comparison between the test frequency response and the expected or desired response at that test frequency. That is, the second output is not issued until the sensor has been excited at at least one frequency other than the test frequency that yielded the initial favorable comparison. This latter method may require a correlation that goes beyond the one dimensional correlation of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> in order that processor <b>120</b> may properly interpret the significance of multiple strong RSSI returns.

0000System for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality Using Multiple RFID's or Other Sensors or Using Multiplexed RFID's or Other Sensors.

0082<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows a system for detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support or displacement of a sensor or both. The system includes multiple moisture responsive sensors <b>104</b> spatially distributed in a surveillance <b>103</b>A zone of an occupant support <b>90</b>. In the illustrated embodiment sensors <b>104</b> are individual antenna components (A<b>1</b>, A<b>2</b>, A<b>3</b>, A<b>4</b>) of an RFID sensor assembly <b>104</b>X. Illustratively, each sensor is at least initially tuned to a center frequency. The system also includes a transceiver <b>112</b> adapted to excite the sensors with an electromagnetic signal <b>110</b> having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency and to monitor for a center frequency response <b>114</b> from the sensor. The system also includes a multiplexer <b>130</b>, in communication with each antenna and with the transceiver. The system also includes a processor <b>120</b> adapted to command the transceiver <b>112</b> to excite the sensors and to analyze the center frequency response of each sensor to detect the presence of moisture on the occupant support or displacement of a sensor or both. The processor <b>120</b> is also in communication with the multiplexer <b>130</b> so that the processor can govern which of the responses <b>114</b> the transceiver <b>112</b> detects at any given time. For example the multiplexer <b>130</b> may cycle from sensor antenna A<b>1</b> to sensor antenna A<b>2</b> to sensor antenna A<b>3</b> to sensor antenna A<b>4</b> and then continue repeating the cycle so that the transceiver <b>112</b> first detects return signal <b>114</b> from A<b>1</b>, then return signal <b>114</b> from A<b>2</b>, and so forth.

0083As already noted the illustrative sensors <b>104</b> are individual antenna components A<b>1</b>, A<b>2</b>, A<b>3</b>, A<b>4</b> of a sensor assembly <b>104</b>X. The processor is adapted to command multiplexer <b>130</b> to acquire response signals from each antenna component. The illustration shows only a single sensor assembly <b>104</b>X, however more than one such assembly may be used.

0084Alternatively the sensors <b>104</b> may be individual sensors such as RFID <b>104</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref> or RFID's <b>104</b>A through <b>104</b>I of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13-14</figref>, each of which individual sensors has its own antenna A. Processor <b>130</b> is adapted to command multiplexer <b>130</b> to acquire response signals from each antenna component, e.g. in a successive sequence.

0085A system may contain one or more assemblies <b>104</b>X each having two or more antenna components or may have multiple sensors <b>104</b> each having its own antenna. Or a system may use a mix of assemblies <b>104</b>X and individual sensors <b>104</b>. For example, each or any surveillance zone of the occupant support may contain one or more sensors, where each sensor is coupled to an antenna, or the sensors and/or antennas may be located in multiple different zones. Further, within a single zone or across different zones, the sensors <b>104</b> may be disposed according to different spatial arrangements. For example, a single zone may be configured with two sensors each disposed at opposite edges of the zone (e.g., spaced apart from one another by a width or a length of the occupant support) but disposed at different (e.g., vertical) distances from the occupant support or the bottom of the pad <b>103</b>. Alternatively or in addition, the sensors may be disposed at different locations with respect to the length or the width of the pad <b>103</b> or the occupant support. For instance, a zone of the occupant support may contain two sensors that are located on opposite lateral sides of the pad <b>103</b> but which are not collinear (e.g., so that one sensor is disposed a first distance from an end of the pad <b>103</b>; while the other sensor is disposed a second, different distance, from the same end of the pad <b>103</b>). Of course, any zone may be configured with only one sensor. No matter which option is employed, electrical circuitry, e.g., a processor <b>130</b>, is adapted to command the multiplexer to acquire response signals from all the antennas present whether the antennas are components of a multi-antenna assembly (components <b>104</b> of assembly <b>104</b>X as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>) or are dedicated antennas (antennas <b>104</b> or A as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>). The processor is also adapted to command the transceiver to analyze the frequency response of each sensor to detect the presence of moisture on the occupant support or displacement of a sensor or both.

0000Method for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality Using Multiple RFID's or Other Sensors or Using Multiplexed RFID's or Other Sensors and Based on Highest Return Signal Strength.

0086<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a block diagram showing a method of detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support and of distinguishing between moisture presence and sensor displacement relative to some initial sensor position. The method may be used with the system architecture of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-14</figref>. The method includes providing two or more moisture responsive sensors <b>104</b> in a surveillance zone <b>103</b>A of the occupant support. Each sensor is tuned to a center frequency fC. Transceiver <b>112</b> excites the sensors with an electromagnetic signal <b>110</b> having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency (block <b>602</b>). The transceiver receives center frequency responses from the sensors at a time t<b>0</b> (block <b>604</b>). As previously noted the time required for multiplexer <b>130</b> to cycle through the sensors is much shorter than any time interval of interest associated with detecting an incontinence event or detecting sensor displacement. Accordingly, any given sampling cycle which occurs between time t−6 and time t+6 is considered to have occurred at time t. The processor identifies which of the sensor returns <b>114</b> at time t<b>0</b> is strongest (block <b>607</b>). At times t>t<b>0</b> (blocks <b>608</b> and beyond) the transceiver continues to excite at least the identified sensor (and may excite additional sensors as well) (block <b>608</b>) and receives responses (block <b>610</b>). The processor carries out an analysis to determine if the return signal strength of the identified sensor has diminished over time. If so the processor analyzes the center frequency return signal strengths from the excitation at time t<b>0</b> in comparison to the responses obtained as a result of the continuing excitation to detect moisture presence or sensor displacement or both (block <b>612</b>).

0000Method for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality Using Multiple RFID's or Other Sensors or Using Multiplexed RFID's or Other Sensors.

0087<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> shows another method of detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support, displacement of a moisture sensor or both. The method includes providing two or more moisture responsive sensors in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, which sensors are tuned to a center frequency. The method may be used with the system architecture of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-14</figref>. Transceiver <b>112</b> excites the sensors with an electromagnetic signal <b>110</b> having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency (block <b>702</b>). Transceiver <b>112</b> receives center frequency responses from the sensors (block <b>704</b>) and records the individual center frequency responses at a time t=0 (block <b>706</b>). At times t>0 transceiver <b>112</b> continues to excite the sensors and to monitor for and receive responses (block <b>608</b>). At block <b>710</b> the processor detects changes in return signal strength, i.e. the differences at times t>0 relative to time t<b>0</b>. At block <b>712</b> the processor analyzes the differences determined at block <b>710</b> to discern moisture presence, sensor displacement or both. As noted in the discussion of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-14</figref> the sensors may be individual sensors each coupled to an antenna or may be individual antenna components of a sensor assembly.

0088<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13-14</figref> show two examples, both of which rely on a 3×3 array of sensors labeled <b>104</b>A through <b>104</b>I. The symbols within each sensor show how that sensor's return frequency response signal (RSSI) has changed between time t<b>0</b> and a later time. The “0” symbol indicates no change while the downwardly pointing arrow symbols indicate a decrease in return signal strength. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> fewer than all of the sensors exhibit a diminished signal strength (RSSI) and the remainder of the sensors exhibit constant return signal strength. Analysis at block <b>712</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> therefore reveals that the sensor pad <b>103</b> is still in place in its original (t=t<b>0</b>) position but that the sensors exhibiting reduced strength have been contaminated with moisture. This conclusion is based on the observation that the center frequency response from a first set of one or more sensors (sensor <b>104</b>F) has become weaker at a time t>0 relative to its center frequency response at an earlier time t<b>0</b>, and that the response of a second set of sensors (all but <b>104</b>F) which does not include members of the first set (<b>104</b>F) have substantially the same response strength at time t>0 than they did at the earlier time t<b>0</b>.

0089In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> the sensors all exhibit reduced return strength relative to strength at t=0. Hence, the sensors are still in their original location, or have all become moist, or some combination of the two. Distinguishing between the two possibilities or determining that both have occurred can rely on techniques such as those described in the context of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-9</figref>. In one embodiment sensor displacement is declared as a result of the center frequency response from all or substantially all the sensors having become weaker at a time t>0 relative to their center frequency response at an earlier time t<b>0</b>. In other embodiments, changes in the sensor's response over time (e.g., comparisons to earlier-received sensor responses), or changes in the difference between the sensor's response and the expected response, may be used to determine sensor displacement.

0000Hybrid Incontinence Detection System.

0090<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> shows a system in which the transceiver is integrated into an occupant support. If the occupant support is a bed the transceiver may be integrated into the frame (not shown) or into the mattress <b>102</b>. The system includes a sensor <b>104</b> such as an active or passive RFID tag. Alternatively the sensor may be a circuit printed on a paper. The sensor, irrespective of the technology on which it is based, may be in the form of a sticker. The sensor is made a part of a pad such as incontinence pad <b>103</b>, for example by sewing or adhering. For example if the sensor is a sticker it may be adhered to the pad at a suitable location, which may be inside of or in the interior of the pad rather than on the surface of the pad. At least the sensor is disposable. The pad may also be disposable.

0091The system also includes a transceiver <b>112</b>, which may be integrated with the bed, for example with the mattress <b>102</b>. In some embodiments, the transceiver <b>112</b> is not considered to be disposable. The system may be referred to as a hybrid system because it includes disposable and nondisposable components. In some embodiments, the nondisposable component (e.g., the transceiver <b>112</b>) is integrated into the occupant support whereas the pad and sensor are easily disassociated from the occupant support. In other embodiments, the transceiver <b>112</b> may be spaced apart from the occupant support. For example, the transceiver may be placed at any convenient location within the patient's environment, such as on a chair, in a mattress, in a headwall or support column, on the patient's clothing or body, etc.

0092The sensor is in wireless communication with the reusable transceiver <b>112</b>. The illustrative transceiver <b>112</b> includes electrical circuitry, such as a processor chip <b>134</b> and may also include a battery <b>136</b>. In one embodiment the battery <b>136</b> is a flexible or foldable battery.

0093The transceiver <b>112</b> is also in wired or wireless communication with a facility information network <b>138</b> to provide for information exchange between the transceiver and the facility network. In one example the communication with network <b>138</b> enables an alert to be sent to caregivers to alert them of the incontinence event (or other moisture containing contamination). In another example the communication can also enable updates to be made to electronic records. Such alerts and updates may be configured based on one or more characteristics or preferences of a patient or caregiver. The alerts and updates can be communicated (e.g., by the transceiver <b>112</b> and the network <b>138</b>) to one or more notification devices, such as bed-mounted visual indicators (e.g., a SafeView® light, which is a feature of certain products of the Hill-Rom Company, Inc.), nurse's stations, mobile communication devices, flat-screen monitors, dome lights, electronic status boards, and/or other devices that are capable of displaying or otherwise presenting notifications and updates to caregivers and/or recipients of that information.

0094In one embodiment a transceiver antenna <b>150</b> loops around sensor <b>104</b>. The antenna may be integral with the mattress or with a ticking or other cover on the mattress. One example of an integral antenna construction is an antenna made of metal thread which is woven or otherwise integrated into the mattress. Another example is a conductive ink applied to the ticking or mattress. Yet another example is conductive fabric.

0000Fluid Reservoir (Absorbent or Dissolving)

0095<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18-23</figref> show variants of an architecture for a moisture detection article or pad <b>103</b> such as an incontinence pad. The pads include at least one sensor <b>104</b> such as an RFID tag. The following discussion of the various embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18-23</figref> relates to the architecture or construction of the pad. The RFID tag or tags can be used for moisture detection and/or analysis as described elsewhere in this specification. Further, it should be noted that while the sensor <b>104</b> is described with reference to some embodiments as a component of the architecture of the pad <b>103</b>, in other embodiments, the sensor <b>104</b> may be embodied as a separate component that can be installed in a pad, either during manufacture of the pad or at a later time. For instance, the sensor <b>104</b> may be mounted to a substrate to form a “sensor sheet” as described further below, and one or more sensor sheets may then be incorporated into a moisture-absorbent pad or other similar product.

0096Referring first to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> the moisture detection apparatus <b>103</b> includes a deposition or receptor layer <b>160</b> having an exposed side <b>162</b> susceptible to moisture contamination and a nonexposed side <b>164</b>. The deposition or receptor layer is so named because it is the layer of the construction upon which, in customary use, fluid will be deposited or received. The illustration also shows a region or site <b>170</b> of actual fluid contamination or deposition.

0097The apparatus also includes a moisture sensor <b>104</b> having a moisture responsive element <b>172</b> separated from the deposition layer by a reservoir material <b>174</b>. The reservoir material is so named because, as will be explained in greater detail below, its capacity to store a volume of fluid introduces an intentional time delay between the initial deposition of fluid on exposed side <b>162</b> and contact between the fluid and the moisture responsive element <b>172</b>. The volume storage capacity helps prevent false alarms or oversensitivity that might otherwise be triggered by inconsequential amounts of fluid. In the embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19-22</figref> the reservoir material is adjacent to the nonexposed side <b>164</b> of deposition layer <b>160</b> as distinct from being adjacent to the exposed side <b>162</b>. The apparatus may also include a base layer <b>176</b>. At least a portion of the base layer is spaced from the deposition layer such that the reservoir material <b>174</b> is between the base layer and the deposition layer. Moisture <b>170</b> deposited on exposed side <b>162</b> must traverse or otherwise overcome the reservoir material in order to come into contact with the moisture responsive element <b>172</b>. Moisture deposited on exposed side <b>162</b> is impeded (by the reservoir layer) from contacting the moisture responsive element <b>170</b> until the reservoir layer reacts to the presence of the moisture. As used herein, “reacts” is used in the sense of responding and does not necessarily mean a chemical reaction, but can mean a chemical reaction.

0098In the variants of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18 and 19</figref> the reservoir material is a reservoir layer <b>174</b>L and the sensor <b>104</b> resides within the reservoir layer. The reservoir layer extends between base layer <b>176</b> and deposition layer <b>160</b>. In the variants of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18, 20, 21 and 22</figref> the moisture responsive element <b>172</b> faces toward the deposition layer. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> the moisture responsive element faces toward the base layer. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> shows two sensors, one having a moisture responsive element that faces toward the deposition layer and one having a moisture responsive element that faces toward the base layer. Any particular variant of the architecture may have moisture responsive elements that all face toward the deposition layer or may have moisture responsive elements that all face toward the base layer or may have an assortment of moisture responsive elements some of which face toward the deposition layer and some of which face toward the base layer.

0099In the variant of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> the reservoir material <b>174</b> is a coating <b>174</b>C which encapsulates the sensor <b>104</b>. In the variant of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> the reservoir material <b>174</b> is in the form of a pocket <b>174</b>P which encapsulates the sensor <b>104</b>. In the embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20-21</figref> (and <b>23</b>) the reservoir material is considered to be localized whereas in the embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18-19</figref> (and <b>22</b>) the reservoir material is nonlocalized.

0100In the embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20 and 23</figref> the reservoir material is a coating over at least the moisture responsive element <b>172</b>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> the reservoir material is a coating over the entire sensor <b>104</b>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> the reservoir material is a coating that extends only slightly beyond the moisture responsive element. In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22 and 22A</figref> the reservoir material <b>174</b> is a lining <b>174</b>LI. In the specific embodiment illustrated, lining <b>174</b>LI also lines base layer <b>176</b>, and the lining is pinched together at pinch lines <b>180</b> to form one or more capsules <b>182</b>. Sensor <b>104</b> resides within the capsule.

0101In some embodiments the reservoir material may be an absorbent material which, because of its capacity to store a volume of fluid, retards migration of fluid from the fluid deposition site <b>170</b> to the sensor element. The volume storage capacity helps prevent false alarms or oversensitivity that might otherwise be triggered by inconsequential amounts of fluid. Examples of such materials include woven textiles. The porosity of the finished textile can be affected by controlling the parameters of the weaving process during manufacture of the woven textile. Affecting the porosity affects the absorbency of the material. As a result the designer of the moisture detection apparatus can regulate the time lapse between deposition of moisture on the deposition layer <b>160</b> and contact between the moisture and moisture responsive element <b>172</b>. The absorption characteristics of the material <b>174</b> also can be used to ensure that the moisture comes into contact with the moisture responsive element <b>172</b> only if at least a minimum quantity of moisture is present. That is, a “small” amount of moisture would be completely absorbed by and stored in the material <b>174</b> without the moisture being able to migrate the entire distance between deposition site <b>170</b> and moisture responsive element <b>172</b>. By contrast, at least some of a “large” quantity of moisture would be able to migrate the entire distance between deposition site <b>170</b> and moisture responsive element <b>172</b>.

0102Specific examples of materials from which the absorbent reservoir material may be made include polyester, cotton and polyamide materials. In some embodiments the reservoir material <b>174</b> may be a material which initially acts as a barrier but then dissolves when exposed to moisture in order to retard migration of the moisture from the fluid deposition site <b>170</b> to the moisture responsive element <b>172</b> until dissolution of the material is complete enough to expose the moisture responsive element to the fluid. An example of such a material is a polymer with the chemical formula: —(CH₂—CHOR)_n— where R is —H or —COCH₃. The foregoing chemical formula is the formula for one type of polymer known as polyvinyl alcohol which is also referred to as PVA or PVOH.

0103The dissolution characteristics of the dissolvable material <b>174</b> enables the designer of the moisture detection apparatus to regulate the time lapse between deposition of moisture on the deposition layer <b>160</b> and contact between the moisture and moisture responsive element <b>172</b>. For example a material that dissolves quickly will shorten the time lapse whereas a material that dissolves slowly will lengthen the time lapse. The dissolution characteristics of the material <b>174</b> also can be used to ensure that the moisture comes into contact with the moisture responsive element <b>172</b> only if at least a minimum quantity of moisture is present. That is, a “small” amount of moisture may be insufficient to dissolve enough of the material <b>174</b> to expose moisture responsive element to the moisture. By contrast, a “large” quantity of moisture would be able to effect sufficient dissolution and come into contact with moisture responsive element <b>172</b>.

0000Directional Architecture—Capillary.

0104<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24-26</figref> show variants of an architecture for a moisture handling apparatus, which may be an incontinence pad. The illustrations illustrate a pad-like apparatus having a head end H, a foot end F longitudinally spaced from the head end, a left side L and right side R laterally spaced from the left side. The illustrations also show longitudinally and laterally extending centerlines <b>200</b>, <b>202</b>. The apparatus comprises a sheet <b>206</b> of material having a capillary property for encouraging moisture migration from a source zone <b>210</b> to a destination zone <b>212</b>. The sheet of material <b>206</b> may be located within an interior region of an incontinence pad or diaper, in some embodiments. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> the capillary property may be imparted to the apparatus by capillary tubes <b>216</b>, or by capillary fibers <b>218</b>. The tubes <b>216</b> or fibers <b>218</b> are spatially arranged or oriented, and therefore the capillary property is spatially arranged or oriented, so as to encourage moisture migration from source zone <b>210</b> to destination zone <b>212</b>.

0105In the example embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> the source zone <b>210</b> is an inboard zone (within dashed lines) whose longitudinal dimension substantially exceeds its lateral dimension. Zone <b>210</b> is approximately laterally centered on centerline <b>200</b>. Destination zone <b>212</b> is the outboard perimetral region between the point of fluid flow arrows <b>222</b> and the lateral edges of the pad. Alternatively the destination zone may be any zone of the apparatus outside the source zone. As used herein the term “inboard” refers to locations relatively remote from the edges of the bed whereas “outboard” refers to locations relatively closer to the edges of the bed. The capillary property is arranged to define one or more capillary pathways (suggested by the fluid flow arrows) extending substantially exclusively laterally from the source zone to the destination zone. Each flow arrow may be considered to represent a capillary pathway. Alternatively all the flow arrows extending in either the left or right direction may be considered to be a single pathway. Alternatively all the flow arrows extending all directions may be considered to be a single pathway.

0106In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> the source zone <b>210</b> is an oval shaped inboard zone (within dashed lines) Destination zone <b>212</b> is the outboard perimetral region between the point of fluid flow arrows <b>222</b> and the lateral edges of the pad. Alternatively the destination zone may be any zone of the apparatus outside the source zone. The capillary property is arranged to define one or more capillary pathways extending both laterally and longitudinally from the source zone to the destination zone. The pathways of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> may be considered to be radial pathways in that they radiate away from the source zone, i.e. from inboard to outboard.

0107In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> the destination zone <b>212</b> is an oval shaped inboard zone (within dashed lines) Source zone <b>210</b> is the outboard perimetral region between the origins of fluid flow arrows <b>222</b> and the lateral edges of the pad. Alternatively the source zone may be any zone of the apparatus outside the destination zone. The capillary property is arranged to define one or more capillary pathways extending both laterally and longitudinally from the source zone <b>210</b> to the destination zone <b>212</b>. The pathways of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> may be considered to be radial pathways in that they radiate toward the destination zone, i.e. from outboard to inboard.

0108The arrangement of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24-25</figref> may be useful for drawing moisture away from an occupant lying on the apparatus, for example for removing urine from the site of an incontinence accident. The arrangement of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> may be useful for directing the moisture toward a sensor <b>104</b>, such as an RFID technology based sensor, which is responsive to the moisture. In another variant the destination zone includes an indicator responsive to the moisture. For example the destination zone may be constructed of a material that changes color in response to contact with urine and/or other fluids of interest or may include a decal that is similarly color responsive to urine and/or other fluids of interest. In another variant the destination zone includes a collector or may be a collector for collecting the migrated moisture. Such a collector <b>226</b> is shown schematically in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> as an absorbent material <b>226</b>A. The material of which the sheet of material <b>206</b> is made is a microfiber. A microfiber has a lineic mass of less than about 1 g/10 km., a diameter of less than about 9 micrometers, or both. The above described apparatus could be part of a system which includes an electrical circuitry, such as a processor or controller (e.g., a phase-locked loop or PLL), for detecting or analyzing fluid that comes in contact with a sensor <b>104</b> in destination zone <b>112</b>.

0000Directional Architecture—Hydroaffinity.

0109<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 27-29</figref> show variants of an architecture for a moisture handling apparatus, which may be an incontinence pad. The illustrations illustrate a pad-like apparatus having a head end H, a foot end F longitudinally spaced from the head end, a left side L and right side R laterally spaced from the left side. The illustrations also show longitudinally and laterally extending centerlines <b>200</b>, <b>202</b>. The apparatus comprises a sheet <b>206</b> of material having a hydroaffinity property for encouraging moisture migration from a source to a destination. “Hydroaffinity” as used herein refers to the degree to which the material is hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or some combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic, such as exhibiting a hydrophilic/hydrophobic gradient. The hydroaffinity property encourages moisture migration from a source zone <b>210</b> to a destination zone <b>212</b>. The hydroaffinity property is spatially arranged or oriented so as to encourage moisture migration from the source zone <b>210</b> to the destination zone <b>212</b>.

0110In the example embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> the source zone <b>210</b> is an inboard zone (within dashed lines) whose longitudinal dimension substantially exceeds its lateral dimension. Zone <b>210</b> is approximately laterally centered on centerline <b>200</b>. Destination zone <b>212</b> is the outboard perimetral region between the points of fluid flow arrows <b>222</b> and the lateral edges of the pad. Alternatively the destination zone may be any zone of the apparatus outside the source zone. As used herein the term “inboard” refers to locations relatively remote from the edges of the bed whereas “outboard” refers to locations relatively closer to the edges of the bed. The hydroaffinity property is arranged to define one or more fluid migration pathways (suggested by the fluid flow arrows <b>222</b>) extending substantially exclusively laterally from the source zone to the destination zone. Each flow arrow may be considered to represent a fluid migration pathway. Alternatively all the flow arrows extending in either the left or right direction may be considered to be a single fluid migration pathway. Alternatively all the flow arrows extending all directions may be considered to be a single fluid migration pathway. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> includes a graph whose abscissa axis represents the left to right dimension of the apparatus <b>103</b> and whose ordinate axis shows a gradation of hydroaffinity. The graph shows that the sheet of material is relatively more hydrophobic in the vicinity of centerline <b>200</b> and is more hydrophilic at the left and right lateral edges.

0111In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> the source zone <b>210</b> is an elongated oval shaped inboard zone (within dashed lines) Destination zone <b>212</b> is the outboard perimetral region between the points of fluid flow arrows <b>222</b> and the lateral edges of the pad. Alternatively the destination zone may be any zone of the apparatus outside the source zone. The hydroaffinity property is arranged to define one or more fluid migration pathways extending both laterally and longitudinally from the source zone to the destination zone. The pathways of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> may be considered to be radial pathways in that they radiate away from the source zone, i.e. from inboard to outboard. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> includes graphs similar to that of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> showing a gradation of hydroaffinity in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. One graph shows that the sheet of material is relatively more hydrophobic in the vicinity of centerline <b>200</b> and is more hydrophilic at the left and right lateral edges. The other graph shows that the sheet of material is relatively more hydrophobic in the vicinity of centerline <b>202</b> and is more hydrophilic at the head and foot edges.

0112In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> the destination zone <b>212</b> is an oval shaped inboard zone (within dashed lines) Source zone <b>210</b> is the outboard perimetral region between the origins of fluid flow arrows <b>222</b> and the lateral edges of the pad. Alternatively the source zone may be any zone of the apparatus outside the destination zone. The hydroaffinity property is arranged to define one or more fluid migration pathways extending both laterally and longitudinally from the source zone <b>210</b> to the destination zone <b>212</b>. The pathways of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> may be considered to be radial pathways in that they radiate toward the destination zone, i.e. from outboard to inboard. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> includes graphs similar to those of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> but with an opposite gradation of hydroaffinity to account for the fact that the destination zone is an inboard zone and the source zone is an outboard zone. The graphs show that the sheet of material is relatively more hydrophilic in the vicinity of centerline <b>200</b> and more hydrophobic at the left and right lateral edges and that the sheet of material is relatively more hydrophilic in the vicinity of centerline <b>202</b> and is more hydrophobic at the head and foot edges.

0113The arrangement of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 27-28</figref> may be useful for drawing moisture away from an occupant lying on the apparatus, for example for removing urine from the site of an incontinence accident. The arrangement of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> may be useful for directing the moisture toward a sensor <b>104</b>, such as an RFID technology based sensor, which is responsive to the moisture.

0114In another variant the destination zone includes an indicator responsive to the moisture. For example the destination zone may be constructed of a material that changes color in response to contact with urine and/or other fluids of interest or may include a decal that is similarly color responsive to urine and/or other fluids of interest. In another variant the destination zone includes a collector or may be a collector for collecting the migrated moisture. Such a collector <b>226</b> is shown schematically in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> as an absorbent material <b>226</b>A. As seen from the foregoing explanation and illustrations the hydroaffinity property is arranged to be more hydrophobic at the source zone and more hydrophilic at the destination zone. The above described apparatus could be part of a system which includes electrical circuitry, such as a processor or PLL, for detecting or analyzing fluid that comes in contact with a sensor <b>104</b> in destination zone <b>112</b>.

0000Visual Indicators—Color Changing.

0115<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 30-32</figref> show variants of an architecture for a moisture detecting system, which may be an incontinence pad <b>103</b>. Referring principally to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>, the moisture detecting system comprises a sheet of material <b>240</b> adapted to change color in response to the presence of moisture <b>170</b>. The system also comprises a camera <b>242</b> or other color detection circuitry for observing the color change or lack thereof. The absence of a color change is a limit case which may be considered to be a “null” color change. The system also includes a controller <b>120</b> in communication with the camera. The controller processes the observations of the camera and issues a response <b>244</b>. In the case of the absence of color change the response may be a null response. If a color change occurs the response may be a signal which activates an alerting or reporting system and/or records the event, such as an incontinence event, in an electronic medical record.

0116<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 31-32</figref> show a variant in which sheet <b>240</b> has an indicator portion <b>246</b> adapted to change color in response to the presence of moisture and a transport portion <b>248</b> adapted to transport moisture from a site of deposition thereof <b>170</b> to the indicator portion <b>246</b> as indicated by the fluid migration arrows <b>250</b>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> the indicator portion <b>246</b> is a perimetral portion <b>246</b>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> the indicator portion <b>246</b> is an edge portion <b>246</b> along one or both lateral sides of sheet <b>240</b>.

0117The embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> and may include features such as those of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24-29</figref> to transport moisture from a deposition site <b>170</b> to another site. The embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 31-32</figref> may include features such as those of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24-29</figref> to transport moisture from a deposition site <b>170</b> at the transport portion <b>248</b> to the indicator portion <b>246</b> and to help transport moisture further into the interior of the indicator portion.

0118The color changing property referred to above is a reflective property in which the reflected wavelengths are in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Alternatively materials that undergo a reflectivity change such that the “dry” reflected wavelengths, the “moist” reflected wavelengths, or both are not in the visible spectrum may also be used with accompanying changes to the detection circuitry.

0000Visual Indicators—UV from any Source+Camera.

0119<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> shows an architecture of another moisture detecting system, which may be an incontinence pad <b>103</b>. The detecting system comprises a sheet of material <b>260</b> which receives the moisture <b>170</b>. The system also includes a source of ultraviolet radiation adapted to expose at least a target portion of the sheet of material to ultraviolet radiation. In one embodiment the source is an external source <b>262</b>. In another embodiment the source is an integrated or on-board source <b>264</b>. Source <b>264</b> includes a light tube <b>270</b> that extends through the pad.

0120The system also includes a camera <b>242</b> or other emission detection circuitry for observing emission of radiation or lack thereof in response to the presence of moisture <b>170</b> within the target region and excitation of the moisture by the ultraviolet radiation. The absence of emitted radiation in response to the ultraviolet radiation is a limit case which may be considered to be a “null” emission.

0121The system also includes a controller <b>120</b> in communication with the camera and with the ultraviolet light source <b>262</b> or <b>264</b>/<b>270</b>. The controller processes the observations of emitted radiation or a change in emitted radiation made by camera <b>242</b> (the emissions being in response to the ultraviolet excitation) and issues a response <b>244</b>. In the case of the absence of emission or absence of a change in emission the response may be a null response. If an emission or change of emission is detected, the response may be a signal <b>244</b> which activates an alerting or reporting system and/or records the event, such as an incontinence event, in an electronic medical record.

0122The controller may periodically activate and deactivate the source of ultraviolet radiation <b>262</b> or <b>264</b>/<b>270</b>. Alternatively the source may be manually activated at the discretion of a caregiver. Sheet of material <b>260</b> may be chemically treated <b>272</b> to intensify the radiated emission thereby making it more readily detectable.

0000Visual Indicators—UV from Light Tube.

0123In another embodiment camera <b>242</b> and processor are absent and the system comprises the sheet of material <b>260</b> which receives the moisture and a source of ultraviolet radiation comprising an ultraviolet radiation generator <b>264</b> and a light tube <b>270</b> that extends through the sheet for distributing the ultraviolet radiation to the target region thereby exposing at least a target portion of the sheet of material to the ultraviolet radiation. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> shows an ultraviolet excited pad architecture similar to the color changing pad architecture of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>. However the ultraviolet excited pad architecture could be some other architecture such as that of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 31 and 32</figref> which have both an indicator portion and a transport portion.

0000Multifunctional Sensor Pad

0124<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref> shows a sensor pad <b>303</b> resting on a mattress <b>102</b> of a bed. The bed and pad are associated with an occupant or patient assigned to the bed. The sensor pad comprises at least one RFID tag <b>304</b>. Tag <b>304</b> includes electrical circuitry, e.g., a processor such as microprocessor <b>320</b>, adapted to process inputs obtained from multiple sensors <b>316</b> even though the sensor have disparate sensing capabilities. One suitable RFID tag is the Texas Instruments model RF430FRL152H tag. Processor <b>320</b> receives the input from sensors <b>316</b> in the form of electric or electromagnetic signals. For example sensors <b>316</b> may have sensing capabilities such as moisture sensing, odor sensing, chemical identity sensing, chemical property sensing, interface pressure sensing, sound sensing, and vital sign sensing to detect vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, skin temperature, internal temperature) of a patient associated with the pad. On a given pad <b>303</b> sensors may all have the same sensing capability (e.g. interface pressure sensing) or a pad may have sensors <b>316</b> for sensing two or more parameters. The technology upon which the sensing capability is based may be any suitable technology such as an accelerometer or a vibration sensor or a sensor based on piezoelectric, piezoresistive, capacitive, inductive, or resistive principles.

0125Certain sensors may be able to sense a parameter of interest directly and report the value of the sensed parameter to processor <b>320</b> by way of an electric or electromagnetic signal. Other sensors may respond to the sensed parameter in a way that requires interpretation by the processor <b>320</b>.

0126As already noted in this application, RFID sensors can be employed to sense moisture, for example urine deposited on the mat as the result of patient incontinence. Nevertheless sensors <b>316</b> may also be used to sense moisture. Alternatively, the RFID can be relied on for its ability to indicate the presence of moisture as a result of its moisture dependent properties, and the other sensors <b>316</b> may be relied on for their capability to sense parameters other than moisture. Battery <b>314</b> is optional and may be included to enable RFID tag <b>304</b> to actively broadcast a signal.

0000Sensor/Switch Closed by Dissolution of Insulator.

0127<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 35-36</figref> show a sensor pad which may be an incontinence pad <b>103</b>. The pad includes a sensor <b>330</b> comprising a switch <b>332</b> having a first terminal <b>334</b>, a second terminal <b>336</b>, and an electrically conductive bridge <b>340</b> at one end of a shank <b>342</b>. The sensor also includes a fuse <b>346</b>. The illustrated fuse is a patch of electrically insulative material interposed between bridge <b>340</b> and terminals <b>334</b>, <b>336</b>. A coil spring <b>350</b> urges the bridge against the fuse.

0128The fuse, and therefore the switch, has an open state (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref>) in which the fuse impedes the establishment of an electrical connection between the terminals. The fuse, and therefore the switch, also has a closed state (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref>) in which the fuse enables the establishment of the electrical connection in response to a stimulus acting on the fuse by allowing the bridge to contact the terminals. In the illustrated embodiment the fuse is dissolvable by urine and the stimulus is the presence of urine <b>352</b> on the fuse. The urine dissolves the fuse and, as a result, spring <b>350</b> urges bridge <b>340</b> into contact with terminals <b>334</b>, <b>336</b>.

0129<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref> shows an alternative embodiment in which the fuse is a membrane <b>356</b> which counteracts the force of spring <b>350</b> until contact with urine dissolves the membrane.

0130Returning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref>, one of the sensor switch terminals <b>334</b> is connected to a battery <b>360</b> and the other of the sensor switch terminals <b>336</b> is connected to a load <b>362</b>. Load <b>362</b> is an alarm that responds to completion of the circuit as a result of the fuse having dissolved. The alarm may be an audible alarm or a visible alarm. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref> switch <b>332</b>, battery <b>360</b> and load <b>362</b> are all components of pad <b>103</b>. In another embodiment (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38</figref>) pad <b>103</b> includes only sensor <b>330</b> and battery <b>360</b>. One of the battery terminals <b>366</b> is connected to terminal <b>334</b> of the sensor switch and the other of the battery terminals <b>368</b> is connectable to the load <b>362</b>, which is not a component of pad <b>103</b>. Switch terminal <b>336</b> is also connectable to load <b>362</b>. In another embodiment (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 39</figref>) pad <b>103</b> includes only sensor <b>330</b>. Switch terminal <b>334</b> is connectable to battery terminal <b>368</b>. Switch terminal <b>336</b> is connectable to load <b>362</b>.

0131The foregoing example the fuse is dissolvable in response to contact with urine. Accordingly, the presence of urine in contact with the fuse is the stimulus. However the fuse can be configured to respond to a stimulus other than contact with urine, such as temperature, pressure and vibration, in which case the mechanism responsible for the change of state of the sensor switch may be something other than dissolution.

0000RFID with Antenna Segments United by Dissolution of Insulator.

0132<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 40-41</figref> shows a sensor <b>104</b> in the form of an RFID tag, the tag includes an antenna <b>370</b> having at least two antenna segments <b>372</b>, <b>374</b>. The RFID tag also includes a bridge <b>380</b> adapted to unite the segments, and a separator <b>382</b> which is transitionable between a first state (inset of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref>) in which the separator impedes unification of the antenna segments and a second state (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 41</figref>) in which the separator does not impede unification of the antenna segments. In the illustrated embodiment the separator is a pair of short pillars <b>384</b>. Transition from the first state (inset of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref>) to the second state (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 41</figref>) occurs in response to an agent acting on the separator. For example the agent may be urine which causes the separator to dissolve when the urine comes into contact with the separator. Alternatively the sensor can be configured to respond to an agent other than contact with urine, such as temperature, pressure and vibration, in which case the mechanism responsible for the change of state of the sensor switch may be something other than dissolution.

0133In one embodiment a single sensor subject to a state change, e.g. due to the presence of a dissolvable sensor as described above, may be excited at two different times and the return signals may be interpreted as in TABLE 4 below:

0134<tables id="TABLE-US-00004" num="00004"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="21pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="56pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="77pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" rowsep="1">TABLE 4</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>t = t0</entry><entry>t = t1</entry><entry>Interpretation</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>weak return</entry><entry>strong return</entry><entry>moisture present</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>weak return</entry><entry>weak return</entry><entry>moisture absent</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0135In another embodiment multiple sensors subject to a state change are used. One of the sensors is a first, protected sensor and one is a second, exposed sensor as described earlier in this application. A comparison of the actual response of the sensors to the expected response can be interpreted as set forth in TABLE 5 below:

0136<tables id="TABLE-US-00005" num="00005"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="84pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="84pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="49pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" rowsep="1">TABLE 5</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Result of comparison</entry><entry>Result of comparison</entry><entry /></row><row><entry>(response vs. expected</entry><entry>(response vs. expected</entry><entry>Interpretation</entry></row><row><entry>response) or assessment for</entry><entry>response) or assessment for</entry><entry>(output from</entry></row><row><entry>first (protected) sensor</entry><entry>second (exposed) sensor</entry><entry>circuitry)</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>RSSI weak</entry><entry>RSSI weak</entry><entry>no moisture</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>detected</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>moisture</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>detected</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>fault</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>fault</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0137Sensor <b>104</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref> may be of the type shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref> which includes circuitry, such as a processor <b>320</b>, in communication with adjunct sensors <b>316</b> and adapted to process inputs obtained from multiple adjunct sensors even though the adjunct sensors have disparate sensing capabilities.

0138<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 42</figref> shows a bed <b>90</b> having a pad <b>103</b> in a surveillance zone <b>103</b>A. The pad includes a moisture responsive sensor <b>104</b> such as an RFID tag. The sensor and the mat are centered on the intersection of longitudinally extending centerline C_LONGand laterally extending centerline C_LAT. The centerlines define four sectors or quadrants Q<b>1</b>, Q<b>2</b>, Q<b>3</b> and Q<b>4</b>. The bed also includes four bed antennas, A<b>10</b>, A<b>20</b>, A<b>30</b> and A<b>40</b>. The bed antennas may be components of the mattress or may be components of the bed frame. Each antenna is associated with one of the quadrants. Transceiver <b>112</b> excites the RFID at a center frequency as previously described. The multiplexer <b>130</b> causes the antennas to be powered one at a time in a desired sequence, for example first A<b>10</b>, then A<b>20</b>, then A<b>30</b> then A<b>40</b> and then repeats the cycle as often as desired. Electrical circuitry, such as a microprocessor <b>120</b> analyzes the returns from the antennas to distinguish between the presence of moisture on the pad and displacement of the pad. For example if the return signals from each bed antenna are all strong for an excitation cycle beginning at time t<b>0</b> but are all weak for an excitation cycle beginning at a slightly later time t<b>1</b>, then the presence of moisture is the most probable cause of the degraded signal provided a fault has been ruled out. In a second example if an excitation cycle beginning at time t<b>0</b> produces strong returns from all four antennas but an excitation cycle beginning at a slightly later time t<b>1</b> produces strong returns from A<b>20</b> and A<b>30</b> but weaker returns from A<b>10</b> and A<b>40</b>, then the most likely cause is that mat <b>103</b> has been displaced longitudinally toward A<b>20</b> and A<b>30</b>. In a third example if an excitation cycle beginning at time t<b>0</b> produces strong returns from all four antennas but an excitation cycle beginning at a slightly later time t<b>1</b> produces strong returns from A<b>10</b> and A<b>20</b> but weaker returns from A<b>30</b> and A<b>40</b>, then the most likely cause is that mat <b>103</b> has been displaced laterally toward A<b>10</b> and A<b>20</b>. Although the foregoing example shows four sectors and four antennas, as few as two sectors and antennas may be used, and more sectors and antennas may be used to achieve additional resolution.

0139Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 43-47</figref>, various illustrative embodiments of a moisture (e.g., fluid) management apparatus are shown. In some embodiments, the moisture management apparatus may be embodied as or include the pad <b>103</b>, described above, which may be configured as shown in any of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 43-47</figref> and described below. In other embodiments, the moisture management apparatus may include other types of articles alternatively or in addition to the pad <b>103</b>. For example, the moisture management apparatus may be embodied as or incorporated into a bed sheet, a mattress, a mattress overlay, a mattress topper, a mattress ticking, a diaper, a pad, a garment or undergarment, or another type of item, and may be disposable or re-usable, in different embodiments. For simplicity, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 43-47</figref> illustrate the various sectional views using a rectangular shape; however, it should be understood that each or any of the embodiments of the moisture management apparatus shown may be constructed to have any desired shape (e.g., with rounded corners, or having a circular, square, oval, or other type of shape).

0140In general, the various embodiments of the moisture management apparatus include a number of layers of fabric material, including, in some embodiments, combinations of material having different levels of moisture permeability, such as absorbent or moisture permeable materials and moisture-impermeable materials. Such materials may include woven material, nonwoven material, directional fabrics, moisture-wicking fabrics, textiles, a combination of any of the foregoing, and/or others. Such materials may include three-dimensional materials (such as fibrous or woven materials) in which the structural arrangement of the three-dimensional fibers provides capillary action or wicking properties to direct moisture in, for example, a horizontal or vertical direction. In some cases, the fibers may be arranged in a particular pattern to urge the transfer of moisture to a desired moisture collecting region or “reservoir.” Alternatively or in addition, such materials may include woven or nonwoven material that is specially treated (e.g., after manufacture) to have a certain arrangement of hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties or gradients that results in the transfer of moisture to the desired collecting region. Such treatments may include, for example, physico-chemical modifications of the material and/or plasma treatments.

0141Also in general, each of the various embodiments of the moisture management apparatus includes a top surface that is configured to interface with a body portion of a person and a bottom surface that is spaced from the top surface by a thickness of an interior region of the apparatus, where the thickness may be defined by the number of stacked layers of material in the interior region and/or the physical composition or structure of such layers of material. The bottom surface of the moisture management apparatus may be configured to engage a surface of another support structure, such as a mattress, an internal section of a mattress, a mattress cover, a deck section of a bed, a portion of an undergarment, etc. The top and bottoms surfaces may be contiguous (e.g. to form a unitary cover structure) or may be coupled by one or more fasteners (e.g., hook and loop, zipper, VELCRO brand fastener, stitching, welding, etc.).

0142Further, in general, the various embodiments of the moisture management apparatus include at least one sensor, which is configured to wirelessly indicate occurrences of moisture events as described elsewhere in this document. Such sensor(s) may be placed on or in a layer of material within the interior region of the moisture management apparatus. The position of the sensor(s) may be fixed using any suitable fastening technique, including an adhesive, stitching, and/or others. The sensor(s) may be shown in the drawings as having a circular or elliptical shape, for simplicity. However, it should be understood that each of the sensor(s) may have any suitable shape.

0143<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 43</figref> illustrates a simplified sectional view of a moisture management apparatus <b>4300</b>, showing the internal composition of the apparatus <b>4300</b>, which includes an arrangement of layers of fabric material designed to direct moisture away from a body portion of a person interfacing with an upper surface <b>4318</b> of the apparatus <b>4300</b>. A cover <b>4310</b> defines an interior region that includes an upper layer <b>4312</b>, a middle layer <b>4314</b>, and a lower layer <b>4324</b>. A top portion of the cover includes the upper surface <b>4318</b> and a lower surface <b>4320</b>. The upper surface <b>4318</b> of the top portion of the cover <b>4310</b> is constructed of a hydrophilic material (e.g., an absorbent material such as cotton). The lower surface <b>4320</b> of the top portion of the cover <b>4310</b> is positioned opposite the upper surface <b>4318</b>, and is constructed of a hydrophobic material (e.g., a water resistant or waterproof material, such as plastic or a plastic-coated textile). The configuration of the hydrophilic material <b>4318</b> backed by the hydrophobic material <b>4320</b> allows fluid (e.g., moisture) to be absorbed by the upper layer <b>4312</b> and travel downwardly (e.g., by the force of gravity) through the hydrophobic material <b>4320</b>, but typically does not allow the fluid to travel back through the hydrophobic material <b>4320</b> in the reverse direction. As such, moisture absorbed by the upper layer <b>4312</b> exits the upper layer <b>4312</b> by traveling downwardly through the middle layer <b>4314</b> rather than upwardly back toward the body portion of the person. Moisture is primarily retained in the middle layer <b>4314</b> and/or the lower layer <b>4316</b> (e.g., depending on the volume of moisture absorbed by the apparatus <b>4300</b>).

0144As indicated by the arrows <b>4326</b>, the middle layer <b>4314</b> is constructed with a directional wicking material, such as a moisture wicking fabric or directional fabric (e.g., polyester or poly/cotton blend). Some examples of such materials are commercially available under brand names such as COOL-MAX, DRY FIT, and/or others. The material or combination of materials in the middle layer <b>4314</b> is configured to urge or direct moisture absorbed by the upper layer <b>4312</b> toward the lower layer <b>4316</b>. Accordingly, the apparatus <b>4300</b> is designed so that moisture collects in a “moisture reservoir” area <b>4324</b>, which is spaced from the upper layer <b>4312</b> and the upper surface <b>4318</b> more particularly. One or more sensors <b>4320</b> are positioned in the moisture reservoir area <b>4324</b>. For simplicity, only one sensor is shown in the drawings of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 43-46</figref>; however, it should be understood that any suitable number of sensors may be incorporated into any of the embodiments of the moisture management apparatus, in accordance with the requirements of a particular design.

0145The sensor(s) <b>4320</b> are configured to wirelessly indicate moisture events, locally at the moisture management apparatus <b>4300</b> and/or at another device (such as a hospital bed or siderail unit, a mobile device, an electronic status board, a dome light, and/or others). For example, the sensor(s) <b>4320</b> may be embodied as radio frequency identification (RFID) sensors configured to operate in any of the manners described elsewhere in this document (e.g., by responding to an electromagnetic signal in different ways depending on the degree to which moisture is present or absent in the moisture reservoir <b>4324</b> of the moisture management apparatus <b>4300</b>). In other embodiments, the sensor(s) <b>4320</b> may include a humidity sensor (e.g., a relative humidity sensor) or another type of sensor that can detect the presence of moisture. Additionally, each or any of the sensor(s) <b>4320</b> may be embodied in a rigid material, a semi-rigid material, or a flexible material, according to the requirements of a particular design. For example, the sensor(s) <b>4320</b> may be printed on paper or plastic film, or may be a capacitive fabric sensor (in which an insulating layer is sandwiched between conductive fabric layers), or another suitable type of sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor(s) <b>4342</b> may be constructed using a water soluble fabric (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol or PVA) that arranged so that when it dissolves, it closes an electric circuit and thereby indicates the occurrence of a moisture event. With such a hard-contact closure, the occurrence of a moisture event can be detected and communicated without requiring a power source (e.g., a battery), without requiring wireless connectivity, or without requiring a specially configured bed or support surface <b>4730</b>, in some embodiments.

0146In general, the indicating of a moisture event by one or more of the sensors <b>4320</b> is accomplished by the sensor <b>4320</b> or another electronic component connected thereto generating a human-perceptible output, such as an alert, signal, or notification (e.g., a visual, audible, or tactile notification). The detection of moisture may be effectuated using any of the sensor structures and techniques described earlier in this document, for example. In some cases, the absence of output, rather than the presence thereof, may indicate a moisture event. Such output (or absence thereof) may be presented or made evident locally, e.g., at the moisture management apparatus, communicated to and presented or made evident at an adjacent device (such as a bed frame, control module, or display), or communicated to and presented or made evident at a remote device (such as an electronic status board located in a healthcare facility, or a computing device) (such as a desktop or wall-mounted nurse's station of a nurse call system, or a mobile computing device, such as a smart phone, tablet computer, or wearable computing device (e.g., a VOCERA® device, GOOGLE GLASS, smart watch, etc.).

0147Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 44</figref>, a simplified sectional view of another embodiment <b>4400</b> of a moisture management apparatus includes a cover <b>4410</b>, which defines an interior region <b>4412</b>. The cover <b>4410</b> includes an upper surface <b>4424</b> and a lower surface <b>4426</b>. The lower surface <b>4426</b> is spaced from the upper surface <b>4424</b> by a thickness of the interior region <b>4412</b>, where the thickness is defined by the number of stacked layers and the physical composition of each of the stacked layers. The upper surface <b>4424</b> is configured to interface with a body portion of a person, while the lower surface <b>4426</b> may be configured to interface with another support structure, as described above. The interior region <b>4412</b> of the moisture management apparatus <b>4400</b> includes a number of stacked layers of material, e.g., <b>4414</b>, <b>4416</b>, <b>4418</b>, etc., each of which may be constructed using the materials described above or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the description of such materials is not repeated here.

0148Additionally, the layers of the interior region <b>4412</b> are arranged and/or configured to provide a hydrophobic/hydrophilic gradient such that layer(s) of material <b>4414</b> that are positioned nearer the top surface <b>4424</b> have a lesser degree of absorbency than the layer(s) of material <b>4418</b> that are positioned nearer to the bottom surface <b>4426</b>. For example, the layer(s) <b>4416</b> may have a greater degree of absorbency than the layer(s) <b>4414</b> and the layer(s) <b>4418</b> may have a greater degree of absorbency than the layer(s) <b>4416</b>. To do this, the layers <b>4414</b>, <b>4416</b>, <b>4418</b> may be constructed of different materials (e.g., each layer is constructed using a different fiber or type of fiber), or may be constructed using the same material but which is treated to have varying degrees of absorbency in the different layers, for example. As a result, moisture received by the top surface of the apparatus <b>4400</b> tends to travel through the upper layers (e.g., the area between the top surface <b>4424</b> and the layer <b>4414</b>) of the interior region <b>4412</b> rather than being absorbed therein. Such moisture is thus absorbed primarily by the lower layers of the interior region <b>4412</b> (e.g., the area between the layer <b>4418</b> and the bottom surface <b>4426</b>), and tends to collect in a moisture reservoir <b>4420</b>. One or more sensors <b>4422</b> are positioned in the moisture reservoir <b>4420</b> and are configured to indicate moisture events. The sensor(s) <b>4422</b> may have the same or similar structure, features, and functionality as the sensor(s) <b>4326</b> described above, and/or any of the other sensors described herein. Accordingly, such description is not repeated here.

0149Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 45</figref>, a simplified top plan view of an embodiment <b>4500</b> of a moisture management apparatus is shown. The apparatus <b>4500</b> comprises at least one layer of material such as any of the fabric materials described above or a combination of such materials. In some cases, the apparatus <b>4500</b> constitutes a sub-layer of a larger moisture management apparatus. For example, the apparatus <b>4500</b> may constitute a portion of the moisture reservoir <b>4324</b> of the apparatus <b>4300</b> or a portion of the moisture reservoir <b>4420</b> of the apparatus <b>4400</b>. In any event, the apparatus <b>4500</b> is constructed of a fabric layer <b>4512</b>, which has an outer perimeter <b>4510</b>, the shape of which may be defined by a number of contiguous edges, and an internal or central portion <b>4514</b>. The layer <b>4512</b> is constructed using the materials and/or techniques described above to provide a moisture transfer feature <b>4516</b>. The moisture transfer feature <b>4516</b> includes a number of elongated fluid pathways <b>4518</b> arranged in a pattern that extends a distance across the layer <b>4512</b>. The pathways are configured to urge or direct fluid toward a fluid collecting region <b>4522</b>, which is positioned adjacent the perimeter <b>4510</b> (e.g., near a longitudinal or lateral edge of the layer <b>4500</b>, in embodiments in which the layer <b>4500</b> has a square or rectangular shape). A sensor <b>4520</b> is positioned in the fluid collecting region <b>4522</b>. While the fluid collecting region <b>4522</b> and thus the sensor <b>4520</b> are shown as positioned adjacent a lateral side of the layer <b>4512</b> such that the fluid pathways <b>4518</b> extend longitudinally across the layer <b>4512</b>, it should be understood that the fluid collecting region <b>4522</b> and thus the sensor <b>4520</b> may be positioned adjacent a longitudinal edge of the perimeter <b>4510</b> such that the fluid pathways <b>4518</b> extend laterally across the layer <b>4512</b>, in other embodiments. The fluid pathways <b>4518</b> are formed by, for example, an arrangement of fibers configured to provide capillary action or with material to which a physico-chemical treatment is applied to provide a hydrophobic/hydrophilic gradient, as discussed above. For instance, areas of the layer <b>4512</b> that are farther away from the fluid collecting region <b>4522</b> are constructed with material that is more hydrophobic and areas of the layer <b>4512</b> that are closer to the fluid collecting region <b>4522</b>, as well as the fluid collecting region <b>4522</b> itself, are constructed with material that is more hydrophilic. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 45</figref>, the fluid pathways <b>4518</b> emanate radially from the fluid collecting region <b>4522</b>; e.g., the fluid pathways <b>4518</b> are arranged so that they tend to converge toward the location of the sensor <b>4520</b>.

0150<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 46</figref> shows a simplified top plan view of an embodiment <b>4600</b> of a moisture management apparatus, which includes a layer of material <b>4612</b> having an outer perimeter or boundary <b>4610</b> and an internal portion <b>4614</b>. The embodiment <b>4600</b> is similar in many respects to the embodiment <b>4500</b>, and therefore the description will not be repeated here. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 46</figref>, however, a fluid collecting region <b>4622</b> is located at or near a central area of the internal portion <b>4614</b>, and a number of fluid pathways <b>4618</b> emanate substantially concentrically outwardly away from the fluid collecting region <b>4622</b>, toward the perimeter <b>4610</b>. As a result of this arrangement, areas of the layer <b>4612</b> that are located toward the perimeter edges <b>4610</b> are more hydrophobic while areas of the layer <b>4612</b> that are located nearer to the fluid collecting region <b>4622</b>, as well as the fluid collecting region <b>4622</b>, itself, are more hydrophilic. While shown as substantially elliptical for simplicity, it should be understood that each of the fluid pathways <b>4618</b> may have any suitable closed shape, such as circular, elliptical, or polygonal. As should be understood, the sensors <b>4520</b>, <b>4620</b> may have the same or similar structure, features, and functionality as the sensor(s) <b>4326</b>, <b>4422</b> described above, and/or any of the other sensors described herein. Accordingly, such description is not repeated here.

0151Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 47</figref>, a simplified sectional view of an embodiment <b>4700</b> of a moisture management apparatus is shown. The moisture management apparatus <b>4700</b> includes a cover <b>4710</b>, which defines an interior region including an upper layer <b>4712</b> and a lower layer <b>4714</b>. The cover <b>4710</b> includes an upper surface <b>4716</b> and a lower surface <b>4714</b>. The upper surface <b>4716</b> is configured to interface with a body portion of a person, and the lower surface <b>4714</b> is configured to be supported by another support surface <b>4730</b>, such as a deck section of a bed (e.g., a seat section of a hospital bed). The embodiment <b>4700</b> has many of the same features and materials as the embodiments <b>4300</b>, <b>4400</b> described above, and thus, such description is not repeated here. In the embodiment <b>4700</b>, the upper layer <b>4712</b> is constructed with an absorbent material (e.g., cotton), and a layer <b>4718</b> separates the upper layer <b>4712</b> from the lower layer <b>4714</b>. The layer <b>4718</b> is moisture impermeable, so that moisture absorbed by the upper layer <b>4712</b> cannot enter the lower layer <b>4714</b>. The lower layer <b>4714</b> may be constructed of any suitable support material, such as foam, a three-dimensional fiber network, and/or others.

0152A sensor or “wet” tag <b>4722</b> is positioned in the upper layer <b>4712</b> so that it is spaced a vertical distance d from the moisture impermeable layer <b>4718</b>. Another sensor or “dry” tag <b>4724</b> is positioned in the lower layer <b>4714</b>, e.g., vertically below or underneath the moisture impermeable layer <b>4718</b>. The sensor <b>4724</b> is kept dry by the moisture impermeable layer <b>4718</b> and/or a protective (e.g., plastic or other waterproof material) covering or enclosure, for example. In the event that moisture is received by the top surface <b>4716</b>, such moisture will be absorbed by the absorbent material of the upper layer <b>4712</b> and, due to the force of gravity and/or the structural characteristics or composition of the upper layer <b>4712</b>, travel downwardly toward the moisture impermeable layer <b>4718</b>. As a result, moisture will tend to collect in an area <b>4726</b> of the upper layer <b>4712</b>, which is vertically below or underneath the sensor <b>4722</b> and above the sensor <b>4714</b>. In other words, the moisture will tend to collect in an area that is between the sensor <b>4722</b> and the sensor <b>4724</b>.

0153The sensors <b>4722</b>, <b>4724</b> communicate with a moisture management system <b>4744</b>. Illustratively, a transceiver (e.g., an RF antenna) <b>4734</b> is mounted to the support surface <b>4730</b> so that it is positioned vertically below or underneath the moisture management apparatus <b>4700</b>. The transceiver <b>4734</b> transmits wireless signals (e.g., radio waves) <b>4728</b> in the direction of the sensors <b>4722</b>, <b>4724</b> (e.g., upwardly), and the sensors <b>4722</b>, <b>4724</b> respond to such signals with corresponding wireless signals, for example as described earlier in this document. However, if a moisture event occurs that results in fluid collecting in the region <b>4726</b>, the fluid in the region <b>4726</b> will absorb the signals <b>4728</b> before they reach the sensor <b>4722</b> and eventually completely prevent the signals <b>4728</b> from being received by the sensor <b>4722</b>. When this happens, the sensor <b>4722</b>'s response to the signals <b>4728</b> will be altered and eventually cease. As a result, a large difference between the response signals received by the transceiver <b>4734</b> from the sensor <b>4724</b> and the response signals received by the transceiver <b>4734</b> from the sensor <b>4722</b> may be used to detect a moisture event.

0154The illustrative moisture management system <b>4744</b> includes electrical circuitry such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, etc.) <b>4736</b>, which is in communication with the transceiver <b>4734</b> and with computer memory (not shown) having embodied therein a computerized module, routine, or instructions executable by the processor <b>4736</b> to analyze the signals received by the transceiver <b>4734</b> and apply moisture detection logic <b>4738</b> thereto, to determine if a moisture event has occurred. An illustrative example of a method <b>4800</b> that may be executed by the processor <b>4736</b> alone or in combination with other components of the moisture detection system <b>4744</b>, as moisture detection logic <b>4738</b>, is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 48</figref> and described below.

0155In some embodiments, the processor <b>4736</b> is communicatively coupled to one or more other computing systems, such as a healthcare communication system <b>4742</b> (e.g., a nurse call system and/or a medical records system), by one or more networks <b>4740</b> or other communication links. As such, occurrences of moisture detection events detected by the processor <b>4736</b> executing the moisture detection logic <b>4738</b> can be communicated to one or more other electronic devices, as described above. Any of the communication links coupling the transceiver <b>4734</b>, the processor <b>4736</b>, the network <b>4740</b>, and the healthcare communication system <b>4742</b> may be embodied as wired connections, wireless signal paths, or a combination thereof, using any suitable electronic signal communication technique and/or protocol.

0156In some cases, the processor <b>4736</b> may directly communicate with an assigned caregiver's electronic device based on the incontinence event. Some examples of systems in which incontinence alerts are communicated to nurse call systems and particular caregivers are contacted directly by a monitoring system in response to an alarm condition are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,537,095 and 7,319,386, which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, alerts may be sent by the processor <b>4736</b> to wireless communication devices (pagers, cell phones, PDA's, etc.) of caregivers in response to alarm conditions detected by the moisture detection sensors <b>4722</b>, <b>4724</b>. In general, any of the disclosed moisture detection/management devices (e.g., incontinence detection devices) can signal a nurse call system or other communication systems to communicate moisture events to wireless communication devices carried by caregivers.

0157Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 48</figref>, the method <b>4800</b> includes a number of computer-executable steps or instructions that can be embodied as the moisture detection logic <b>4738</b> and executed by various components of the moisture detection system <b>4744</b>. At block <b>4810</b>, the method <b>4800</b> (e.g., by the transceiver <b>4734</b>) transmits the reference signals (e.g., RF waves of a known frequency) in the direction of the sensors <b>4722</b>, <b>4724</b>. At block <b>4812</b>, the method <b>4800</b> (e.g., by the transceiver <b>4812</b> and/or the processor <b>4736</b>) determines whether a response signal is received from the tag <b>4724</b>. If a response signal is not detected as having been received from the tag <b>4734</b>, the method <b>4800</b> (e.g., by the processor <b>4736</b>) determines that the moisture management apparatus <b>4700</b> is in fact not in the expected location on the support surface <b>4730</b> (block <b>4828</b>) and at block <b>4830</b> deactivates or disables a “present” notification if such notification had been previously active (e.g., if the moisture management apparatus <b>4700</b> had been previously detected but is no longer detected as being present in the expected location of the support surface <b>4730</b>). Following block <b>4830</b>, the method <b>4800</b> returns to block <b>4810</b> and continues transmitting the reference signals to monitor for the presence of the moisture management apparatus <b>470</b> and the occurrence of a moisture event.

0158If at block <b>4812</b> the method <b>4800</b> (e.g., by the processor <b>4736</b>) determines that a response signal has been received from the tag <b>4724</b>, the method <b>4800</b> proceeds to output or communicate a “present” indication (e.g., locally or to another device, as described above) (block <b>4814</b>), and determine the difference between the response signal received from the tag <b>4722</b> and the response signal received from the tag <b>4724</b> (if any) during the same sample time period (which may be defined according to the requirements of a particular design of the system <b>4744</b>). To do this, the method <b>4800</b> may compare the magnitude or frequency of the response signals received from the tags <b>4722</b>, <b>4724</b> (e.g., the RSSI difference, as described above). At block <b>4820</b>, the method <b>4800</b> analyzes the difference between the two response signals, by comparing the difference to a defined threshold value, or simply determines whether a response signal has been received from the sensor <b>4722</b> at all. If the difference between the two response signals exceeds the defined threshold value or if no response signal has been received from the tag <b>4722</b> within the sample time period, the method determines that a moisture event has occurred (block <b>4824</b>) and outputs or communicates the result (e.g., an alert or notification of the moisture event) (block <b>4824</b>), locally at the moisture management apparatus <b>4700</b> and/or at another device, as described above. While not specifically shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 48</figref>, it should be understood that following block <b>4826</b>, the method <b>4800</b> may return to block <b>4810</b> and continue monitoring. If at block <b>4820</b> the method <b>4800</b> determines that the difference between the response signals received from the tags <b>4722</b>, <b>4724</b> does not exceed the defined threshold value, the method <b>4800</b> determines (block <b>4822</b>) that a moisture event has not occurred, and returns to block <b>4810</b> to continue monitoring for a moisture event. The threshold value used by the method <b>4800</b> may be predefined in accordance with prior research, experimentation and/or test results. Alternatively or in addition, such threshold value may be determined or adjusted during operation of the system <b>4744</b>, e.g., during a set-up or calibration phase, and may be adjusted over time based on, for example, a history of caregiver responses to moisture event notifications. In some embodiments, the sensors <b>4722</b>, <b>4724</b> may be embodied as ultra-high frequency RF sensors (e.g., in the range of about 900 MHz), while in other embodiments, high frequency RF sensors (e.g., in the range of about 13.56 MHz) or low frequency RF sensors (e.g., in the range of about 125 KHz) RF sensors may be used.

0159Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref>, a computing system <b>4900</b> for the monitoring and detection of human-generated moisture on an occupant support includes a client computing device <b>4910</b>, a server computing device <b>4980</b>, and a bed system <b>5000</b>, which are communicatively coupled to one another by one or more electronic communications networks <b>4950</b>. The bed system <b>5000</b> includes a moisture management apparatus <b>4962</b>, <b>4964</b>, <b>4966</b>, <b>5010</b>, which detects moisture <b>4968</b> in an area supported by a patient support apparatus <b>4956</b>, and communicates moisture detection indications (e.g., electromagnetic signals) to the network <b>4950</b> for use by client computing device <b>4910</b> and/or the server computing device <b>4980</b>. For example, the server computing device <b>4980</b> may store the moisture detection indications in a data storage <b>4996</b> (e.g., as moisture event data <b>4998</b>) for future use (e.g., reporting, auditing, or other purposes) or may determine which of any number of client computing devices <b>4910</b> should receive the moisture detection indications and transmit the moisture detection indications to such client computing devices <b>4910</b>. For example, the server computing device <b>4980</b> may operate a “back end” of a healthcare communication system <b>4994</b> to transmit moisture event notifications to a “front end” of the healthcare communication system <b>4932</b> for display on a display <b>4922</b> of a client computing device <b>4910</b>. In doing so, a portion of the moisture event data <b>4920</b> may be stored, at least temporarily, in a data storage device <b>4918</b> of the client computing device <b>4910</b>. Such communications between the server computing device <b>4980</b> and the client computing device <b>4910</b> may be facilitated by the respective communication subsystems <b>4990</b>, <b>4924</b>.

0160In more detail, the patient support apparatus <b>4956</b> includes a frame <b>4958</b>, a deck supported by the frame <b>4958</b> to support a patient in at least a horizontal position, and the moisture management apparatus <b>4962</b>, <b>4964</b>, <b>4966</b>, <b>5010</b>, which is supported by the frame <b>4958</b> or the deck, or another portion of the patient support apparatus <b>4956</b>, such as a patient support surface <b>4960</b>. The deck may be embodied as part of the frame <b>4958</b>, in some embodiments, or may be a separate structure coupled to the frame <b>4958</b> (e.g., an articulating deck having longitudinally-spaced head, seat, and foot sections, which can pivot independently of the frame <b>4958</b>), in other embodiments. The patient support apparatus <b>4956</b> may be embodied as, for example, any of the hospital beds, stretchers, lifts, or other patient support products available from the Hill-Rom Company, Inc., and the patient support surface <b>4960</b> may be embodied as, for example, any of the mattresses or other support surfaces available from the Hill-Rom Company, Inc. The illustrative moisture management apparatus includes a substrate <b>4962</b> (e.g., a moisture-absorbent pad or sensor-supporting substrate). Coupled to or disposed in the substrate <b>4962</b> is a moisture-responsive sensor <b>4964</b>, which is configured to detect the presence of human-generated moisture in an area <b>4968</b> that is supported by the frame <b>4958</b> or the deck of the patient support apparatus <b>4956</b>. In some embodiments, the substrate <b>4962</b> may be an integral part of the patient support surface <b>4960</b> (e.g., as an internal layer of the patient support surface <b>4960</b>), while in other embodiments, the substrate <b>4962</b> may form a separate structure (e.g., a pad or a sensor sheet that can be installed on or in a pad), which is supported by the patient support surface <b>4960</b> (e.g., positioned on top of the patient support surface <b>4960</b>). In either case, the substrate <b>4962</b> may be positioned within or outside of a cover. In some embodiments, the substrate <b>4962</b> is embodied as sheet or other type of supporting structure capable of supporting one or more sensors <b>4964</b> such that the sensors <b>4964</b> can perform the functions described herein.

0161Electrical circuitry, e.g. a bed controller or bed control unit <b>5010</b>, and/or a transceiver <b>4966</b>, is configured to communicate a moisture detection indication to a user interface device <b>5040</b>, <b>4910</b> (e.g., a component of a user interface subsystem <b>4926</b>), <b>4980</b> (e.g., a component of the user interface subsystem <b>4992</b>), in response to a detecting by the sensor <b>4964</b> of patient-produced moisture in the area <b>4968</b> supported by the frame or the deck of the patient support apparatus <b>4956</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver <b>4966</b> communicates moisture detection indications wirelessly to a wireless access point <b>4952</b> of the network(s) <b>4950</b>. The sensor <b>4964</b> may be configured according to any of the sensor embodiments described herein. For example, the sensor <b>4964</b> may be embodied as an RFID sensor that is periodically interrogated by the transceiver <b>4966</b> as described above. As such, the sensor <b>4964</b> may include or be coupled to an antenna <b>5026</b> (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref>), which communicates sensor response signals (e.g., moisture event indications) generated by the sensor <b>4964</b> back to the transceiver <b>4966</b>. While a single sensor <b>4964</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref>, multiple sensors may be used in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the antenna or multiple antennas are mounted to the frame <b>4958</b> or the deck of the patient support apparatus <b>4956</b>. For example, a number of antennas <b>5026</b> (e.g., two or more) may be coupled to a seat section of the deck (e.g., mounted within a molded plastic insert, which is then attached to the frame <b>4958</b> or deck of the patient support apparatus <b>4956</b> by adhesive or other suitable fastener). The number, configuration, and/or positioning of the antenna or antennas <b>5026</b> may define a sensing (or surveillance zone) (e.g., the area <b>4968</b>) in which moisture events may be detected with respect to the patient support apparatus <b>4956</b>. The antenna(s) <b>5026</b> may be configured to establish multiple different surveillance zones or areas <b>4948</b>, in some embodiments. At least the substrate <b>4962</b> and the sensor <b>4964</b> may be enclosed in a cover (not shown), which may also enclose the patient support surface <b>4960</b>, or portions thereof, in some embodiments. An outline of the applicable sensing zone may be printed on the cover for ease of reference by, for example, a caregiver. Further, in some embodiments, sensing zone indicators may be provided on, for example, head and foot siderails of the patient support apparatus <b>4956</b>. The sensing zone may coincide with the size of the substrate <b>4962</b>, in some embodiments. For example, if the dimensions of a planar surface of the substrate <b>4962</b> substantially correspond to the dimensions of a planar surface of the patient support surface <b>4960</b>, the sensing zone may cover substantially the entire area of the patient support surface <b>4960</b>. Alternatively, the sensing zone may encompass less than the entire area of the patient support surface <b>4960</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 53</figref>, described below. While a single bed system <b>5000</b> is shown, it should be understood that any number of similar bed systems <b>5000</b> may be coupled to the network(s) <b>4950</b> in a similar fashion. Thus, the client computing device <b>4910</b> and/or the server computing device <b>4980</b> may receive moisture detection indications from many different bed systems <b>5000</b> (e.g., any or all of the beds on a floor, wing, or unit of a health care facility). Additional components of the bed system <b>5000</b> are described in more detail below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 50</figref>.

0162Referring now in more detail to the client computing device <b>4910</b>, the illustrative client computing device <b>4910</b> includes electrical circuitry such as at least one processor <b>4912</b> (e.g. a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, etc.), memory <b>4914</b>, and an input/output (I/O) subsystem <b>4916</b>. The client computing device <b>4910</b> may be embodied as any type of computing device capable of performing the functions described herein, such as a personal computer (e.g., desktop, laptop, tablet, smart phone, body-mounted device, etc.), a server, an enterprise computer system, a network of computers, a combination of computers and other electronic devices, or other electronic devices. For example, in some embodiments, the client computing device <b>4910</b> is a “dashboard” (e.g., a wall-mounted graphical display unit or smart TV) of the healthcare communication system <b>4932</b>. Alternatively or in addition, the client computing device <b>4910</b> may be embodied as a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer used by a caregiver or healthcare facility personnel.

0163Although not specifically shown, it should be understood that the I/O subsystem <b>4916</b> typically includes, among other things, an I/O controller, a memory controller, and one or more I/O ports. The processor <b>4912</b> and the I/O subsystem <b>4916</b> are communicatively coupled to the memory <b>4914</b>. The memory <b>4914</b> may be embodied as any type of suitable computer memory device (e.g., volatile memory such as various forms of random access memory).

0164The I/O subsystem <b>4916</b> is communicatively coupled to a number of hardware components and/or other computing systems including the display <b>4922</b>, the communication subsystem <b>4924</b>, and the user interface subsystem <b>4926</b>, which includes one or more user input devices (e.g., a touchscreen, keyboard, virtual keypad, microphone, etc.) and one or more output devices (e.g., speakers, displays, LEDs, etc.). The I/O subsystem <b>4916</b> is also communicatively coupled to one or more storage media <b>4918</b> (in which the moisture event data <b>4920</b> may be stored), and the healthcare communication system <b>4932</b>. The healthcare communication system <b>4932</b> may be embodied as, for example, any type of nurse call system, such as the NAVICARE system available from The Hill-Rom Company, Inc. It should be understood that each of the foregoing components and/or systems may be integrated with the computing device <b>4910</b> or may be a separate component or system that is in communication with the I/O subsystem <b>4916</b> (e.g., over a network <b>4950</b> or a serial bus connection).

0165The storage media <b>4918</b> may include one or more hard drives or other suitable data storage devices (e.g., flash memory, memory cards, memory sticks, and/or others). Portions of the moisture event data <b>4920</b> and/or other data may be copied to the memory <b>4914</b> during operation of the client computing device <b>4910</b>, for faster processing or other reasons. The communication subsystem <b>4924</b> may communicatively couple the client computing device <b>4910</b> to one or more of the communication networks <b>4950</b>, which may be embodied as, e.g., a local area network, wide area network, personal cloud, enterprise cloud, public cloud, and/or the Internet, for example. Accordingly, the communication subsystem <b>4924</b> may include one or more wired or wireless network interface software, firmware, or hardware, for example, as may be needed pursuant to the specifications and/or design of the particular client computing device <b>4910</b>.

0166The server computing device <b>4980</b> may be embodied as any suitable type of computing device capable of performing the functions described herein, such as any of the aforementioned types of devices or other electronic devices, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the server computing device <b>4980</b> may include one or more server computers including storage media <b>4996</b>, which may be used to store portions of the moisture event data <b>4998</b> (which may include moisture event data from many different bed systems <b>5000</b>), and/or other data. The illustrative server computing device <b>4980</b> also includes a user interface subsystem <b>4992</b> and a communication subsystem <b>4990</b>, which may be embodied similarly to the components <b>4926</b>, <b>4924</b>, respectively, described above. The computing system <b>4900</b> may include other components, sub-components, and devices not illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref> for clarity of the description. In general, the components of the computing system <b>4900</b> are communicatively coupled as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref> by signal paths, which may be embodied as any type of wired or wireless signal paths capable of facilitating communication between the respective devices and components.

0167Collection of the moisture event data <b>4998</b> by the server computing device <b>4980</b> (e.g., as “cloud data”) can facilitate various types of reporting. For example, the healthcare communication system <b>4994</b> may aggregate the moisture event data <b>4998</b> for multiple bed systems <b>5000</b> and/or monitor and report on each bed system <b>5000</b> individually. Reporting that may be provided by the healthcare communication system <b>4994</b> may include real-time notifications of moisture events and historical information about recorded moisture events. The healthcare communication system <b>4994</b> may link and/or communicate such reports to particular caregivers or particular locations within the healthcare facility, via the network(s) <b>4950</b>. The healthcare communication system <b>4994</b> and/or the moisture management apparatus of the bed system <b>500</b> can track the amount of elapsed time between the reporting of a moisture event and the time at which the moisture event is addressed (e.g., by replacing the substrate <b>4962</b>), and store such information in, e.g., the data storage <b>4996</b>.

0168Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 50</figref>, components of the bed control unit <b>5010</b> and the user interface device <b>5040</b> are shown in more detail. The bed control unit <b>5010</b> may be embodied as a control unit for a patient support apparatus as is provided in any of the commercially available bed products of the Hill-Rom Company, Inc. In other words, in addition to performing the moisture management functions disclosed herein, the bed control unit <b>5010</b> may operate and control many other features and functions of the patient support apparatus <b>4956</b> and/or the patient support surface <b>4960</b> (e.g., frame/deck articulation, mattress inflation/deflation, etc.). The bed control unit <b>5010</b> is communicatively coupled to the user interface device <b>5040</b> by an electrical connection (e.g., one or more wired or wireless signal paths, such as a bus, a network, insulated wiring, etc.) (e.g., a Controller Area Network or Echelon network). The user interface device <b>5040</b> may be embodied as a patient and/or caregiver user interface device of a patient support apparatus, such as a siderail unit, a footboard or headboard unit, or a pendant controller. Alternatively or in addition, the user interface device may be incorporated into a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer of a caregiver or health care facility personnel. Illustrative embodiments of the user interface device <b>5040</b> are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 51-52</figref>, described below.

0169The illustrative bed control unit <b>5010</b> includes electrical circuitry such as at least one processor <b>5012</b> (e.g. a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, etc.), memory <b>5014</b>, an input/output (I/O) subsystem <b>5016</b>, storage media <b>5020</b>, and a communication subsystem <b>5028</b>. Components of the bed control unit <b>5010</b> having the same or similar name as components already described above in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref> may be embodied similarly. As the foregoing description applies to these similarly-named components, the description will not be repeated here. The moisture responsive sensor(s) <b>4964</b>, the transceiver <b>4966</b>, and the antenna(s) <b>5026</b> are in wired or wireless communication with the bed control unit <b>5010</b>. The moisture responsive sensor(s) <b>4964</b>, the transceiver <b>4966</b>, and the antenna(s) <b>5026</b> may be embodied as described above (e.g., RFID sensors and antennas to communicate the sensor signals to the transceiver <b>4966</b>), and are communicatively coupled to the I/O subsystem <b>5016</b> of the bed control unit <b>5010</b>. In other words, moisture detection indications from the sensor(s) <b>4964</b> can be communicated to the bed control unit <b>5010</b> via the I/O subsystem <b>5016</b> and can also be communicated from the sensor(s) <b>4964</b> to the other devices on the network(s) <b>5950</b> via the transceiver <b>4966</b> and wireless access point <b>4952</b>. The moisture management system <b>5018</b> is illustratively embodied as computer program logic that receives and processes the sensor signals (e.g., moisture detection indications), determines whether a moisture event has occurred, and updates a display of the user interface device <b>5040</b> to indicate moisture detection indications. Alternatively or in addition, the moisture management system <b>5018</b> executes computer logic to process the sensor signals, determine whether the sensor <b>4964</b> and/or its substrate <b>4962</b> (e.g., a moisture absorbent pad) is present on the patient support apparatus <b>4960</b>, and updates a display of the user interface device <b>5040</b> to indicate the status of the sensor <b>4964</b> or the substrate <b>4962</b> (e.g., whether the moisture absorbent pad is present or whether a moisture event has occurred).

0170The user interface device <b>5040</b> includes electrical circuitry such as at least one processor <b>5042</b> (e.g. a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, etc.), memory <b>5044</b>, an input/output (I/O) subsystem <b>5046</b>, a communication subsystem <b>5048</b>, and a user interface subsystem <b>5056</b>. Components of the user interface device <b>5040</b> having the same or similar name as components already described above in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref> may be embodied similarly. As the foregoing description applies to these similarly-named components, the description will not be repeated here. Additionally, a pad indicator <b>5050</b>, an antenna indicator <b>5052</b>, and a power indicator <b>5054</b> are communicatively coupled to the processor <b>5042</b> via the I/O subsystem <b>5046</b>. Each of the indicators <b>5050</b>, <b>5052</b>, <b>5054</b> may be embodied as, for example, a visual (e.g., one or more lights or light-emitting diodes) or audio (e.g. a speaker) output mechanism. The pad indicator <b>5050</b> is configured to activate (e.g., illuminate) if the moisture management system <b>5018</b> detects the presence of the sensor <b>4964</b> (e.g., embodied in a moisture absorbent pad) on the patient support apparatus <b>4960</b>. The antenna indicator <b>5052</b> is configured to activate if the moisture management system <b>5018</b> detects that the antenna(s) <b>5026</b> are operational (e.g., supplied with electrical power). Similarly, the power indicator <b>5054</b> is configured to activate if the moisture management system <b>5018</b> detects that the sensor(s) <b>4964</b> are operational (e.g., supplied with electrical power). In this way, the indicators <b>5050</b>, <b>5052</b>, <b>5054</b> provide a real-time indication (e.g., to a caregiver) as to whether the moisture management apparatus <b>4962</b>, <b>4964</b>, <b>4966</b> is operational.

0171Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 51</figref>, an embodiment of a user interface device <b>5100</b> is shown. The user interface device <b>5100</b> includes a housing <b>5110</b> (e.g., one or more molded plastic components), which defines an interior region in which electrical circuitry embodying the functional components shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 50</figref> are supported. The housing <b>5110</b> may be coupled to the frame <b>4958</b> of the patient support apparatus <b>4956</b>. For example, the housing <b>5110</b> may be configured to reside on or within a siderail or endboard of the patient support apparatus <b>4956</b>, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the housing <b>5110</b> may be removably tethered to the patient support apparatus <b>4956</b> (e.g., as a pendant controller).

0172A user interface panel <b>5112</b> (e.g., a molded plastic piece) is part of or supported by the housing <b>5110</b>. The panel <b>5112</b> supports a visual indicator <b>5114</b>, an on/off power button <b>5116</b>, a set of user instructions <b>5118</b>, and a pad detected indicator <b>5120</b>. The visual indicator <b>5114</b> is configured as, for example, a light-emitting diode, to activate (e.g., illuminate) when the moisture management system <b>5018</b> is ready to use (e.g., the antenna <b>5026</b> is operational, and the electrical power is on). In other words, the indicator <b>5114</b> may indicate that the system <b>5018</b> is ready to be used to detect the sensor <b>4964</b> and/or to detect moisture, and may not necessary indicate that the sensor <b>4964</b> is present. The pad detected indicator <b>5120</b> is configured to activate (e.g., illuminate) when the sensor <b>4964</b> is detected on the patient support apparatus <b>4960</b>. The button <b>5116</b> is user-activatable (e.g., by a caregiver) to turn the moisture management system <b>5018</b> on and off.

0173Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 52</figref>, another embodiment of a user interface device <b>5200</b> is shown. Portions of the user interface device <b>5200</b> may be constructed similarly to the user interface device <b>5200</b>, and therefore the description of similar components is not repeated here. The user interface device <b>5200</b> includes a housing <b>5210</b>, which supports or includes a user interface panel <b>5212</b>. The user interface panel <b>5212</b> supports a number of visual indicators and selectors, including a pad detected indicator <b>5214</b> and a plurality of user input mechanisms/indicators <b>5216</b>, <b>5218</b>, <b>5220</b> to select a moisture level for monitoring by the moisture management system <b>5018</b>. In the illustrative embodiment, each of the user input mechanisms <b>5216</b>, <b>5218</b>, <b>5220</b> is user-selectable to specify a progressively greater amount of moisture as the threshold for indicating that a moisture event has occurred. For instance, if a user selects the button <b>5216</b>, moisture events may be detected by the system <b>5018</b> more frequently than if the user selects the button <b>5218</b>. Likewise, if a user selects the button <b>5220</b>, the system <b>5018</b> may detect moisture events less frequently than if the button <b>5218</b> were selected. If the button <b>5218</b> is selected, the system <b>5018</b> may detect moisture events more frequently than if the button <b>5220</b> were selected but less frequently than if the button <b>5216</b> were selected. Once a button <b>5216</b>, <b>5218</b>, <b>5220</b> is selected, a corresponding visual indicator may activate (e.g., illuminate) to indicate the selection. It should be noted that the system <b>5018</b> may be configured so that only one of the buttons <b>5216</b>, <b>5218</b>, <b>5220</b> may be activated at a time (e.g., so that the system <b>5018</b> monitors for only one type of moisture event at a time). Further, in other embodiments, multiple levels of monitoring may be specified for different moisture types, alternatively or in addition to the amount or volume of moisture. Once a moisture level is selected via a button <b>5216</b>, <b>5218</b>, <b>5220</b>, the system <b>5018</b> communicates moisture detection indications only when the moisture-responsive sensor <b>4964</b> detects an amount of moisture that meets or exceeds the selected moisture level.

0174While not specifically shown, each or either of the user interface devices <b>5100</b>, <b>5200</b> may include a graphical user interface, such as a touchscreen device. The graphical user interface may graphically display data indicating one or more areas of moisture that are detected by the moisture management apparatus in the area supported by the patient support apparatus. For example, the graphical display may take the form of a “map” in which different colors are used to represent different amounts, concentrations, or types of moisture that are present.

0175Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 53</figref>, an embodiment of a moisture management apparatus <b>5300</b> is shown. The illustrative moisture management apparatus <b>530</b> may be incorporated into or supported by the patient support surface <b>4960</b>. Illustratively, the patient support surface <b>4960</b> includes a head section <b>5330</b>, a seat section <b>5332</b>, and a foot section <b>5334</b>, and the moisture management apparatus <b>5300</b> is disposed on or in the seat section <b>5332</b>. The moisture management apparatus <b>5300</b> includes substrate <b>5312</b>, which supports a sensing device, where the sensing device includes a sensor <b>5314</b> and a moisture directing circuit <b>5316</b>. The moisture directing circuit <b>5316</b> connects to the sensor <b>5314</b> by a proximal end <b>5320</b>, and terminates at a distal end <b>5322</b>. Between the proximal end <b>5320</b> and the distal end <b>5322</b>, the moisture directing circuit <b>5316</b> is arranged in a serpentine pattern, which illustratively extends laterally across and longitudinally along a substantially planar surface of the substrate <b>5312</b>. The sensor <b>5314</b> may be embodied as any of the types of sensors described herein (e.g., one or more RFID sensors), and the moisture directing circuit <b>5316</b> may be embodied as any type of moisture directing circuit described herein (e.g., using capillary action or hydroaffinity properties of the substrate <b>5312</b>). The substrate <b>5312</b> may include a non-absorbent layer that supports the moisture directing circuit <b>5316</b>. The moisture directing circuit may be embodied as conductive ink or conductive thread that is applied to the substrate <b>5312</b>.

0176The sensor <b>5314</b> is, illustratively, located adjacent to an outer border <b>5310</b>, which is defined by a plurality of spaced-apart edges of the substrate <b>5312</b>. The sensor <b>5314</b> may be located in the middle of a moisture absorbent pad relative to top and bottom surfaces of the pad, and near at least one edge or border of the pad. In other words, a moisture absorbent pad may include spaced-apart substantially planar top and bottom surfaces that define an interior region, and the moisture-responsive sensor may be spaced-apart from both the top and bottom surfaces so that the moisture-responsive sensor is positioned in the middle of the interior region (depthwise) (e.g., a distance greater than zero from both the top and bottom surfaces of the pad). Positioning the sensor <b>5314</b> substantially in the middle of the pad (e.g., vertically) and toward an edge of the pad (e.g., adjacent a boundary of the pad) may improve patient comfort. Further, placing the sensor in the middle of the substrate, depthwise, may allow for greater flexibility in the placement of the substrate <b>5312</b> with respect to the support surface <b>4960</b>, e.g., to reduce the potential for displacement of the substrate <b>5312</b> or displacement of the sensor <b>5314</b> during use.

0177Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref>, a simplified perspective view of at least one embodiment of a moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b> is shown. The moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b> is configured to monitor an area for the occurrence of moisture events in the area. The area monitored by the moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b> for occurrences of moisture events is defined by length (L<b>1</b>) and width (W<b>1</b>) dimensions of a substrate <b>5410</b> of the moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b>. The illustrative moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b> is embodied as a “sensor sheet” that may be appropriately sized and configured so as to be incorporated into or secured to another device, such as an incontinence pad, a textile, a bed sheet, a mattress, a garment, or a wearable device, such as a diaper, an undergarment, or an adhesive-backed pad. The moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b> may be supported by (e.g., placed on top of) a patient support surface, such as the patient support surface <b>4960</b>, described above, or the patient support apparatus <b>5700</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 57</figref>, described below.

0178The substrate <b>5410</b> of the moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b> supports a sensor <b>5414</b> and a sensor circuit <b>5420</b>. The substrate <b>5410</b> is designed to bear a portion of the weight of a patient's body (e.g., the sacral region) for a period of time. For instance, some embodiments of the substrate <b>5410</b> are made of a manufacturable, non-rigid, flexible or pliable material, such as a plastic film. When combined with a more rigid support surface (such as a bed, mattress, or chair), the substrate <b>5410</b> bears a portion of the patient's weight. As an example, if the moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b> is embodied in a wearable device, such as an undergarment, the substrate <b>5410</b> bears a portion of the patient's weight when the patient sits or lays down on a bed or a chair. Similarly, if the moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b> is placed on or incorporated into a mattress, mattress pad, or bed sheet, the substrate <b>5410</b> bears a portion of the patient's weight when the patient uses the mattress, mattress pad, or bed equipped with the bed sheet. As such, the illustrative substrate <b>5410</b> is made of a support material that is configured to minimize the interface pressure experienced by the patient when the moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b> supports a portion of the patient's weight, e.g., so that the patient's peak interface sacral pressure is increased by an amount that is less than or equal to an amount that is in the range of about 8 millimeters of mercury (mm/Hg) to about 15 mm/Hg (where the “peak” interface sacral pressure may be determined for a representative sample population, such as median weight males or median weight females, and applied to the design of the substrate <b>5410</b> through laboratory testing). Accordingly, the substrate <b>5410</b> may be made of a synthetic resin or a thermoplastic polymer material, such as a polypropylene film or a polyethylene film. Alternatively, the substrate <b>5410</b> may be made of a nonwoven fabric or paper material, or other suitable material capable of performing the functions disclosed herein (such as any type of carrier substrate on which conductive ink can be printed). In any event, the substrate <b>5410</b> is a three-dimensional material having a thickness Ti. In some embodiments, the substrate <b>5410</b> has a thickness in the range of about one millimeter.

0179The sensor <b>5414</b> is embodied as a wireless sensor, such as any of the types of sensors disclosed herein (e.g., sensor <b>104</b>). The illustrative sensor <b>5414</b> is fixedly coupled to the substrate <b>5410</b>, generally near or toward an edge of the substrate <b>5410</b>. While a single sensor <b>5414</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref>, it should be understood that other embodiments of the moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b> may include more than one sensor <b>5414</b>; for example, two sensors may be located on opposite lateral sides, or opposite longitudinal sides, of the substrate <b>5410</b>. In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref>, the sensor <b>5414</b> supports (e.g., is covered by) a detuning material <b>5416</b>, such as foam. The detuning material <b>5416</b> is configured to shield the sensor <b>5414</b> from interference from natural electrical conductivity provided by the human body of the patient using the moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b>. As such, the detuning material <b>5416</b> is fixed to the sensor <b>5414</b> and/or the substrate <b>5410</b> so as to be interposed between the sensor <b>5414</b> and the patient's body. In other embodiments, detuning may be performed by electrical circuitry or by software built-in to the sensor <b>5414</b>, rather than through the use of the detuning material <b>5416</b>.

0180The sensor <b>5414</b> is configured to, in response to the presence of moisture in the monitored area, emit a wireless signal indicative of a moisture event. For example, the sensor <b>5414</b> may emit a signal at a frequency that deviates from an expected response frequency, as described above, and this deviation in the frequency may indicate that a moisture event has occurred. Also as discussed above, the sensor <b>5414</b> may emit signals in response to one or more triggering signals, which the sensor <b>5414</b> receives wirelessly from a wireless signal transmitter (e.g., the transceiver <b>112</b>, described above). As such, the sensor <b>5414</b> may be embodied as a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that is configured to emit sensor signals at a frequency that is configured for monitoring moisture events. A frequency that is “configured for monitoring moisture events” may be, for example, a frequency that is lower than a frequency commonly used to detect bed exit or other fall risk events. In this way, the sensor <b>5414</b> may be used in combination with other wireless devices that monitor for other patient conditions, such as sensors that monitor for fall risk events. Alternatively, the sensor <b>5414</b> may be configured to emit signals at different frequencies so that multiple different types of events can be monitored with the same sensing device. To do this, the sensor <b>5414</b> may be initially set at a predetermined frequency that is suitable for performing monitoring for a number of different types of monitored events (e.g., moisture, bed exit, and fall risk), and then shift to the appropriate frequency for monitoring a specific type of event when the sensor <b>5414</b> detects that an event of that type has occurred. The amount of frequency shift needed to monitor a specific event is, for example, a change in the frequency that is large enough (either an increase or decrease) to not interfere with the more “generalized” monitoring frequency or other monitoring frequencies. In other words, the monitoring frequencies used for different types of events are set so that the frequencies do not overlap, in some embodiments. Further, it should be noted that in some cases, detection of an event is triggered by an absence of a sensor signal rather than the presence of a sensor signal, or the combination of the presence of a signal and the absence of a different signal. For instance, if a monitoring system (e.g., the reader <b>5980</b>, discussed below), identifies a patient who is present in a monitoring area (e.g., by a patient ID wristband or stocking) or detects that the patient is in bed (e.g., by a bed's monitoring system), or detects a moisture signal or fall risk signal from a sensor in the monitoring area, and then after a period of time fails to detect any of those signals, the monitoring system may conclude that the patient has left the monitoring area.

0181The sensor circuit <b>5420</b> is embodied as a pair of differently-charged electrically-conductive traces <b>5412</b>, <b>5418</b>. For example, the trace <b>5412</b> is positively charged while the trace <b>5418</b> is negatively charged, or vice versa. The sensor <b>5414</b> is configured to, in response to the presence of moisture between the traces <b>5412</b>, <b>5418</b>, emit a signal indicative of a moisture event as described above. For example, the moisture acts as a switch that closes the circuit formed by the otherwise spatially and electrically separated traces <b>5412</b>, <b>5418</b>. The electrically conductive trace <b>5412</b> is supported by the substrate <b>5410</b> and is connected to an input of the sensor <b>5414</b> as shown in greater detail in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref>, described below. The electrically conductive trace <b>5412</b> includes a number of segments indicated by arrows A<b>1</b>, which are connected end-to-end in a continuous manner, and a plurality of segments indicated by arrows A<b>2</b>, which are connected end-to-end in a continuous manner and connected to the segments A<b>1</b> by the sensor <b>5414</b>, to form a first pattern across the monitoring area of the substrate <b>5410</b>. The arrows A<b>1</b> and A<b>2</b> indicate respective directions of conductive flow. From the viewpoint of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref>, the arrangement of segments of the conductive trace <b>5412</b> forms an “M”-like pattern.

0182The electrically conductive trace <b>5418</b> is supported by the substrate <b>5410</b> and is connected to an input of the sensor <b>5414</b> as shown in greater detail in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref>, described below. The electrically conductive trace <b>5418</b> includes a number of segments indicated by arrows B<b>1</b>, which are connected end-to-end in a continuous manner, and a number of segments indicated by arrows B<b>2</b>, which are connected end-to-end in a continuous manner, to form a second pattern across the monitoring area of the substrate <b>5410</b>. The segments B<b>1</b> are connected to the segments B<b>2</b> by the sensor <b>5414</b>. The segments (e.g., B<b>1</b>, B<b>2</b>) of the second pattern are spaced apart from the segments (e.g., A<b>1</b>, A<b>2</b>) of the first pattern by a distance, D<b>1</b>. The distance D<b>1</b> between the segments of the second pattern and the segments of the first pattern is defined by one or more moisture management criteria. The moisture management criterion can include a moisture-related property of the substrate <b>5410</b>. For example, a moisture management criterion may be a moisture-related property of the moisture absorbent material of the incontinence pad (such as a wicking or absorption property). In an illustrative example, the distance D<b>1</b> is in the range of about 4 inches, based on a desired moisture sensitivity in the range of about 50 milliliters (e.g., D<b>1</b> is the distance that 50 ml of liquid travels in the specified type of material forming the substrate <b>5410</b> or a layer of an incontinence pad in which the substrate <b>5410</b> is integrated). Thus, a notification may be issued by a notification device as described elsewhere herein, when the sensor <b>5414</b> detects an amount of moisture in the range of about 50 milliliters).

0183As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref>, some of the segments of the second pattern are interposed between two segments of the first pattern, while still being spaced apart from the segments of the first pattern by the distance, D<b>1</b>. For example, the second pattern as illustrated has a “U” shaped configuration, where segments of the “U” shape of the second conductive trace <b>5418</b> are interposed between segments of the “M” shape of the first conductive trace <b>5412</b>. Further, some of the segments of the first conductive trace <b>5412</b> and the second conductive trace <b>5418</b> are connected to form an angle that is less than 180 degrees. For instance, in some cases, the ends of two segments (e.g., A<b>1</b>, A<b>1</b> or B<b>1</b>, B<b>1</b>) are connected to form substantially a right angle (e.g., about 90 degrees). It should be understood, however, that while the segments (e.g., A<b>1</b>, A<b>2</b>, B<b>1</b>, B<b>2</b>) are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref> as linear segments, any suitable spatial arrangement of the traces <b>5412</b>, <b>5418</b> that maintains the desired spacing D<b>1</b> between the traces <b>5412</b>, <b>5418</b> may be used (e.g., curved, elliptical, or circular segments).

0184Each of the illustrative first and second electrically conductive traces <b>5412</b>, <b>5418</b> comprises an electrically conductive material, and the electrically conductive material is coupled to a top surface of the substrate <b>5410</b> (e.g., a surface that faces upwardly away from a pad or mattress. For example, the electrically conductive material may be embodied as an electrically conductive ink, such as a silver ink, a copper ink, a carbon-carbon nanotube ink, or other conductive material suitable for performing the functions described herein. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive ink may be printed or painted directly on the substrate <b>5410</b>.

0185<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref> is a simplified top plan view of a portion of the sensor sheet of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref>, with a portion of the detuning material <b>5416</b> cut away to show connections of the sensor traces <b>5412</b>, <b>5418</b> to the sensor <b>5414</b>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref>, trace ends <b>5510</b> and <b>5514</b> correspond to ends of segments B<b>1</b> and B<b>2</b> of the second trace <b>5418</b>, and are connected to the sensor <b>5414</b> by connection points <b>5518</b>, <b>5522</b>, respectively. Similarly, trace ends <b>5512</b>, <b>5516</b> correspond to ends of segments A<b>1</b> and A<b>2</b> of the first trace <b>5412</b>, and are connected to the sensor <b>5414</b> by connection points <b>5520</b>, <b>5524</b>, respectively. The connection points <b>5514</b>, <b>5516</b> connecting the trace ends <b>5514</b>, <b>5516</b> to the sensor <b>5414</b> are separated by a gap having a size Dmin. Similarly, the connection points <b>5510</b>, <b>5512</b> connecting the trace ends <b>5510</b>, <b>5512</b> to the sensor <b>5414</b> are separated by a gap of the size Dmin. The gap size, Dmin, is defined to maintain at least a minimum distance between the first electrically conductive trace <b>5412</b> and the second electrically conductive trace <b>5418</b>. The gap size, Dmin, is defined to prevent an electrical connection between the first electrically conductive trace <b>5412</b> and the second electrically conductive trace <b>5418</b> from occurring in the absence of a moisture event for which alerting is desired. In other words, the gap size Dmin, is defined to ensure that at least a minimum volume of moisture is present in the monitoring area before an alert is triggered.

0186Illustratively, the connection points <b>5518</b>, <b>5520</b>, <b>5522</b>, <b>5524</b> connect the trace ends <b>5510</b>, <b>5512</b>, <b>5514</b>, <b>5516</b> to the sensor <b>5414</b> by rivets. However, any suitable fastening mechanism capable of performing the functions described herein may be used alternatively or in addition to the rivets. For example, in some embodiments, the traces <b>5412</b>, <b>5418</b> and the sensor <b>5414</b> may be connected in a continuous fashion (e.g., as a single, continuous printing on the substrate <b>5410</b>).

0187<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 56</figref> is a simplified sectional view of the sensor sheet of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref>, cut along the line <b>56</b>-<b>56</b>, and also showing a similar view of other components of at least one embodiment of an incontinence pad <b>5600</b> in which the sensor sheet may be incorporated. In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 56</figref>, the pad <b>5600</b> includes a top layer <b>5610</b>, a middle layer <b>5612</b>, and a bottom layer <b>5614</b>. The sensor sheet <b>5400</b> is disposed within the incontinence pad <b>5600</b>, illustratively between the middle layer <b>5612</b> and the bottom layer <b>5614</b>.

0188The illustrative top layer <b>5610</b> of the pad <b>5600</b> is made of a soft, water permeable nonwoven material. The middle layer <b>5612</b> is made of a moisture absorbent material. The materials used to construct the top layer <b>5610</b> and the middle layer <b>5612</b> are similar or identical to corresponding materials having the desired properties that are used in standard commercially available disposable incontinence pads. The layers of the pad <b>5600</b> are secured together by a number of fasteners <b>5616</b>, <b>5618</b>, <b>5620</b>, <b>5622</b>. Similarly, the components of the moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b> are secured to one another by a number of fasteners <b>5624</b>, <b>5626</b>, <b>5628</b>, <b>5630</b>. Additionally, the moisture management apparatus <b>5400</b> is secured to the bottom layer <b>5614</b> of the pad <b>5600</b> by a fastener <b>5632</b>. The fasteners <b>5616</b>, <b>5618</b>, <b>5620</b>, <b>5622</b>, <b>5624</b>, <b>5626</b>, <b>5628</b>, <b>5630</b>, <b>5632</b> may be embodied as stitching, adhesive, and/or any other suitable fastening mechanism. While only one sensor sheet <b>5400</b> is shown in the pad <b>5600</b>, it should be understood that the pad <b>5600</b> may include more than one sensor sheet <b>5400</b>. For example, in some embodiments, two sensor sheets <b>5400</b> are layered above the bottom layer <b>5614</b> of the pad <b>5600</b> and arranged so that their corresponding sensors <b>5414</b> are located on opposite edges of the pad <b>5600</b> (e.g., away from the area of the pad <b>5600</b> that is most likely to be underneath the patient).

0189<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 57</figref> is a simplified perspective view of at least one embodiment of a patient support apparatus <b>5700</b>, showing, schematically, sensor detection antennas <b>5716</b>, <b>5718</b>, and sensor event monitoring zones <b>5720</b>, <b>5722</b> adjacent the patient support apparatus <b>5700</b>. The illustrative patient support apparatus <b>5700</b> includes a frame (e.g., <b>5710</b>), a deck (e.g., <b>5712</b>) supported by the frame <b>5710</b>, and a patient support surface (e.g., a mattress) <b>5714</b> supported by the deck <b>5712</b>. The patient support apparatus <b>5700</b> is capable of supporting a patient in at least a horizontal position. In some embodiments, the antenna <b>5716</b> is coupled to a top surface of the deck, underneath the mattress <b>5714</b>. The antennas <b>5716</b>, <b>5718</b> are configured to wirelessly receive sensor signals emitted by a sensor (e.g., the sensor <b>5414</b>), and wirelessly transmit the sensor signals to a reader (e.g., reader <b>5980</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref>, described below). The illustrative sensor signals are emitted by the sensor (e.g., the sensor <b>5414</b>) in response to a moisture event occurring in a moisture event monitoring area located adjacent the deck <b>5712</b>, and as such the sensor signals include data indicative of the moisture event. However, as described further below, the antennas <b>5716</b>, <b>5718</b> may be configured to wirelessly receive and wirelessly transmit other types of sensor signals, or sensor signals from other types of sensors (e.g., bed exit detection sensors, siderail down sensors, patient fall sensors, etc.), alternatively or in addition to the moisture event monitoring sensor signals.

0190In the illustrative patient support apparatus <b>5700</b>, the deck <b>5712</b> includes a head section <b>5726</b>, a foot section <b>5730</b>, and a seat section <b>5728</b>, where the seat section <b>5728</b> is located between the head section <b>5726</b> and the foot section <b>5730</b>. In some embodiments, the antenna <b>5716</b> is mounted to a top surface of the seat section <b>5728</b> of the deck <b>5712</b>, e.g., underneath the mattress <b>5714</b>, or between the deck <b>5712</b> and the mattress <b>5714</b>. An incontinence pad <b>5724</b> (e.g., the pad <b>5600</b>) is positioned on the mattress <b>5714</b> above the seat section <b>5728</b> of the deck <b>5712</b>. Thus, a sensor (e.g., the sensor <b>5414</b>) for detecting moisture events is located in the seat section of the patient support apparatus <b>5700</b> when the incontinence pad <b>5724</b> is present.

0191The antenna <b>5718</b> is illustratively mounted to the frame <b>5712</b>. The antenna <b>5718</b> is configured to wirelessly receive a sensor signal emitted by a sensor located in a different monitoring area than the area monitored by the antenna <b>5716</b>. For example, the antenna <b>5718</b> has a monitoring zone <b>5722</b>, while the antenna <b>5716</b> has a monitoring zone <b>5720</b>. A reader (e.g., the reader <b>5980</b>) can selectively vary an amount of power supplied to each of the antennas <b>5716</b>, <b>5718</b> to adjust the size of the area in which sensor signals can be read by one or more of the antennas <b>5716</b>, <b>5718</b> (e.g., a “read range”), in accordance with different patient monitoring needs. Illustratively, the zone <b>5720</b> of the antenna <b>5716</b> extends along the length of the mattress <b>5714</b> (e.g., outside the footprint of the antenna <b>5716</b>) (e.g., longitudinally from the head to the foot of the bed; for example, within a range of about 18 inches of the head end edge to about 12 inches of the foot end edge), across the width of the mattress <b>5714</b> (e.g., ending at the lateral edge of the antenna <b>5716</b>, or, horizontally from edge-to-edge of the surface), and up a distance in the range of about 18 inches away from the antenna <b>5716</b>, which is mounted to the deck <b>5712</b> (e.g., by a distance sufficient to extend from the antenna <b>5716</b> to the top of any mattress of varying thickness, along with any cushions, pillows, wedges, or other items that might be on top of the mattress and on which the patient is being supported).

0192Illustratively the zone <b>5722</b> of the antenna <b>5718</b> extends along the length of the mattress <b>5714</b> (e.g., longitudinally from the head end to the foot end of the bed), down a vertical distance toward the floor (e.g. where the vertical distance is less than or equal to a height of the patient support apparatus <b>5700</b> above the floor, where the height may be measured from the bottom of the mattress <b>5714</b> to the floor), and extends in a horizontal direction away from the side of the patient support apparatus <b>5700</b> a distance in the range of about 36 inches from the edge of the bed. The illustrative antennas <b>5716</b>, <b>5718</b> are embodied as passive radio frequency (RF) antennas configured to operate at a power level to receive sensor signals emitted by sensors within their respective zones <b>5720</b>, <b>5722</b>. Alternatively or in addition, the antennas <b>5716</b>, <b>5718</b> are configured to read sensor signals at a specific frequency, such as a frequency configured for monitoring moisture events, fall events, and/or other types of sensed patient monitoring events.

0193<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 58</figref> is a simplified perspective view of at least one embodiment of a wearable incontinence pad <b>5800</b> including an embodiment of the sensor sheet <b>5400</b>, as disclosed herein. The pad <b>5800</b> is embodied as a diaper or disposable undergarment. The pad <b>5800</b> has a cross section similar to that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 56</figref>. The illustrative pad <b>5800</b> includes a bottom layer <b>5810</b>, which is made of a water impermeable plastic film, and a top layer <b>5816</b>, which is made of a water permeable nonwoven material. Differently-charged electrically conductive traces <b>5812</b>, <b>5818</b> are printed with electrically conductive ink on the top layer <b>5816</b>. The traces <b>5812</b>, <b>5818</b> may be printed on another layer located between the top layer <b>5816</b> and the bottom layer <b>5810</b>, in other embodiments. The traces <b>5812</b>, <b>5818</b> are connected to a sensor <b>5814</b> in a manner similar to that described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref>. The sensor <b>5814</b> is embodied as, for example, the sensor <b>5414</b>. The pad <b>5800</b> includes a number of fastening tabs <b>5820</b>, <b>5822</b>, <b>5824</b>, <b>5826</b>, which allow the top portion of the pad <b>5800</b> to be secured around a patient's waist or hips (e.g., in a belt-like fashion).

0194<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref> is a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of a computing system <b>5900</b> including sensor event detection features. The computing system <b>5900</b> is similar to the computing system <b>4900</b> described above, except that the computing system <b>5900</b> can monitor for moisture events and other types of sensor events, such as bed exit events, patient fall events, siderail down events, and/or others. The computing system <b>5900</b> includes a client computing device <b>5910</b>, one or more network(s) <b>5950</b>, one or more notification devices <b>5996</b>, a server computing device <b>59</b>, and a sensor event communication system <b>5992</b>. In general, components of the computing system <b>5900</b> having the same or similar name as components of the computing system <b>4900</b> may be embodied similarly. For example, the client computing device <b>5910</b> may be embodied in a similar manner as the client computing device <b>4910</b>, and the same applies for other components such as the network(s) <b>5950</b>, the server computing device <b>5930</b>, the wireless access point <b>5962</b>, and the bed system <b>5990</b>. Accordingly, the description of those components is not repeated here.

0195A sensor event communication system <b>5992</b> facilitates the communication of wireless sensor signals from a number of different patient monitoring sensors <b>1</b> to N (where N is a positive integer) <b>5968</b>, <b>5970</b>, <b>5972</b> located in an area <b>5960</b>, to another electronic device, such as the client computing device <b>5910</b>, the server computing device <b>5930</b>, or one or more notification devices <b>5996</b> (e.g., a dome light, a wall mounted display, a nurses station, a caregiver display or visual indicator located on a patient support apparatus, a mobile computing device (such as a tablet computer or smart phone), and/or others.

0196The reader <b>5980</b>, mentioned above, may be embodied as, for example, a transceiver (e.g., transceiver <b>112</b>), a multiplexer (e.g., multiplexer <b>130</b>), a controller (e.g., circuitry or microprocessor <b>120</b>), or a combination of these components and/or other components. The reader <b>5980</b> includes antenna control logic <b>5982</b>. The antenna control logic <b>5982</b> is embodied as software, firmware, or hardware of the reader <b>5980</b>, and controls power to a number of antennas (e.g., antennas <b>5964</b>, <b>5966</b>) to selectively establish or adjust the monitoring zones of each of the antennas <b>5964</b>, <b>5966</b> (where each of the monitoring zones may include all or a portion of the area <b>5960</b>). The reader <b>5980</b> also includes control logic to communicate with the sensors <b>5968</b>, <b>5970</b>, <b>5972</b> (using, e.g., an interrogation technique as described above), in order to verify or authenticate the sensors <b>5968</b>, <b>5970</b>, <b>5972</b> as being permitted to communicate sensor signals to other components of the computing system <b>5900</b>, and/or to control or adjust the frequency at which each or any of the sensors <b>5968</b>, <b>5970</b>, <b>5972</b> issues sensor signals. The various control logic of the reader <b>5980</b> is embodied as software, firmware, or hardware (e.g., electrical circuitry). Each of the sensors <b>5968</b>, <b>5970</b>, <b>5972</b> includes an authentication mechanism <b>5974</b>, <b>5976</b>, <b>5978</b>, such as a unique identifier or authentication code. The authentication mechanism <b>5974</b>, <b>5976</b>, <b>5978</b> is embodied as software, firmware, or hardware in the sensor <b>5968</b>, <b>5970</b>, <b>5972</b>. For example, the authentication mechanism <b>5974</b>, <b>5976</b>, <b>5978</b> may be embodied as data or programming code stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., computer memory or data storage) of the sensor <b>5968</b>, <b>5970</b>, <b>5972</b>. The authentication mechanism <b>5974</b>, <b>5976</b>, <b>5978</b> is configured to wirelessly communicate sensor authentication information for receipt by another device (such as the reader <b>5980</b> or another component of the computing system <b>5900</b>).

0197In some embodiments of the sensor event communication system <b>5992</b>, the reader <b>5980</b> wirelessly receives sensor signals from the antennas <b>5964</b>, <b>5966</b>, and transmits the sensor signals received from the antenna to the notification device <b>5996</b>. In some embodiments, the antennas <b>5964</b>, <b>5966</b> are configured to wirelessly receive a sensor identifier signal emitted by the sensor and the reader is configured to verify the sensor identifier signal; and, in response to the verification of the sensor identifier signal, transmit the sensor signal received by the antenna to the notification device <b>5996</b>. In some embodiments, the reader <b>5980</b> or more specifically the antenna control logic <b>5982</b> selectively controls the power to the antennas <b>5964</b>, <b>5966</b> and selectively controls the frequencies at which the sensors <b>5968</b>, <b>5970</b>, <b>5972</b> emit sensor signals in accordance with antenna power requirements and sensor frequency requirements, which may be general requirements that apply to all wireless transmissions (e.g., SARS regulations) or more specific requirements for monitoring particular types of sensor events. For example, the reader <b>5980</b> may issue periodic “bursts” of higher power levels in order to expand an antenna's reading range to encompass a number of different sensors that may be located in the area <b>5960</b> (e.g., in order to determine how many different sensors there are and the types of sensors). As another example, the reader <b>5980</b> may read different frequencies for different types of monitoring events. In some embodiments, the reader <b>5980</b> determines and sets a frequency at which the reader <b>5980</b> communicates sensor signals emitted by a sensor <b>5968</b>, <b>5970</b>, <b>5972</b> to the notification device <b>5996</b> (or another component of the computing system <b>5900</b>) based on a characteristic of a patient associated with the sensor <b>5968</b>, <b>5970</b>, <b>5972</b> or based on a characteristic of a caregiver associated with the patient that is associated with the sensor <b>5968</b>, <b>5970</b>, <b>5972</b>, such that the reader <b>5980</b> transmits sensor signals from the sensor <b>5968</b>, <b>5970</b>, <b>5972</b> to the notification device <b>5996</b> more frequently for some patients than for other patients, or more frequently for some caregivers than for other caregivers.

0198<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 60</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of a sensor detection process <b>6000</b> that may be executed by, for example, one or more components of the computing system <b>5900</b>. Portions of the sensor detection process <b>6000</b> may be embodied in, for example, computer code and/or electrical circuitry. In block <b>6010</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> detects whether a sensor is in range of any of the antennas in the monitoring area (e.g., the antennas <b>5964</b>, <b>5966</b>). To do this, the computing system <b>5900</b> may increase the power to the antennas <b>5964</b>, <b>5966</b> temporarily. If any of the antennas detect a sensor, the process <b>6000</b> proceeds to block <b>6012</b>. If no sensors are detected by any of the antennas, the process returns to block <b>6010</b>. In block <b>6012</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> (e.g., the reader <b>5980</b>) reads a sensor identifier portion of the sensor signals received from the sensors detected within range of one or more of the antennas in block <b>6010</b>. In block <b>6014</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> (e.g., the reader <b>5980</b>) determines whether the sensor identifier read in block <b>6012</b> indicates that the sensor is a moisture sensor (e.g., configured to detect moisture events). To do this, the computing system <b>5900</b> may utilize a mapping table or database to match the sensor identifier with corresponding sensor type and/or antenna information stored in the mapping table or database. Alternatively, the sensor type information may be part of the sensor identifier, in which case the computing system <b>5900</b> may parse the sensor identifier to extract the sensor type information and match it with the appropriate antennas. If the computing system <b>5900</b> determines in block <b>6014</b> that the sensor is a moisture sensor, the process <b>6000</b> processes to block <b>6016</b>. If the computing system <b>5900</b> determines that the sensor is not a moisture sensor, the process <b>6000</b> jumps to block <b>6018</b>. In block <b>6016</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> determines the antennas for moisture sensing and begins executing the moisture sensing functions using the antenna(s) that are configured for moisture sensing. To do this, the computing system <b>5900</b> powers the antennas located in the moisture sensing zone at the power level specified for moisture sensing. For example, in the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 57</figref>, antenna <b>5716</b> may be activated to monitor wireless signals from a sensor in the pad <b>5724</b> to detect moisture events in the zone <b>5720</b>. Following block <b>6014</b> or block <b>6016</b>, as the case may be, in block <b>6018</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> determines the appropriate antennas and begins executing the sensing functions for another type of sensing based on the sensor type determined in block <b>6014</b> or a “default” sensor type. For example, in the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 57</figref>, antenna <b>5718</b> may be activated to monitor wireless signals from a body-worn sensor configured for fall prevention (such as fall prevention socks), to detect fall risk events in the zone <b>5722</b>. Following block <b>6018</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> may return to block <b>6010</b> to re-initiate the process <b>6000</b>. While not specifically shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 60</figref>, it should be understood that the sensing operations initiated at block <b>6016</b> and block <b>6018</b> may be preceded by a sensor authentication process. For example, the computing system <b>5900</b> may verify the identification signal in block <b>6012</b>, and if the identification signal is successfully verified, initiating the monitoring for sensor events based on the sensor type in block <b>6016</b> and/or block <b>6018</b>.

0199<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 61</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of a sensor detection process <b>6100</b> that may be executed by, for example, one or more components of the computing system <b>5900</b>. Portions of the sensor detection process <b>6100</b> may be embodied in, for example, computer code and/or electrical circuitry. The process <b>6000</b> described above involves multiple antennas and making determinations as to which antennas to use to monitor sensor signals. In the process <b>6100</b>, and antenna detects a sensor within the antenna's read range, in block <b>6110</b>. The process <b>6100</b> remains in block <b>6110</b> unless/until a sensor is detected. If a sensor is detected in the antenna's range, the process <b>6100</b> proceeds to block <b>6112</b>. In block <b>6112</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> (e.g., the reader <b>5980</b>) reads a sensor identifier portion of the sensor signal emitted by the sensor In block <b>6114</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> determines, based on the information read in block <b>6112</b>, whether the sensor is a moisture sensor or some other type of sensor. If the sensor is a moisture sensor, the process <b>6100</b> proceeds to block <b>6116</b>. If the sensor is not a moisture sensor, the process <b>6100</b> proceeds to block <b>6118</b>. In block <b>6116</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> begins monitoring for moisture events using the antenna of block <b>6110</b>. To do this, the computing system <b>5900</b> may: read the sensor signals periodically (e.g., every 30 seconds) and execute a moisture detection algorithm using the read sensor signal (which may be indicative of, for example, a change in RSSI) as an input to the moisture detection algorithm. Following block <b>6116</b> or block <b>6114</b>, as the case may be, in block <b>6118</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> begins another type of patient monitoring, in accordance with the sensor identifier read in block <b>6112</b>. As an example, the computing system <b>5900</b> may have identified the sensor as a patient ID wristband, in block <b>6112</b>. Accordingly, in block <b>6118</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> may begin executing a patient tracking function. For example, the computing system <b>5900</b> may: read the sensor signal periodically (e.g., every 10 minutes), and/or read the sensor signal if the patient weight measured by a weigh scale (e.g., a weigh scale built in to the patient support apparatus <b>5700</b>), and/or read the sensor signal if a bed exit is detected, and/or read patient identifying information (e.g., read the patient's name from sensor identifier or from a database (where the patient's name may be associated with the sensor identifier in the database), and then display the patient's name on a display device, such as a display device of the patient support apparatus <b>5700</b>), and/or read fall risk data from the sensor and/or a database (where the fall risk data may be associated with the sensor identifier in the database) and initiate a fall prevention protocol if the fall risk data indicates that the patient is at risk of falling. The computing system <b>5900</b> may adjust the read range of the antenna as needed to perform the requisite data read functions. The process <b>6100</b> illustrates that the same antenna, or even the same sensor in some cases, can be used to perform multiple different types of patient monitoring.

0200<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 62</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of a sensor authentication process <b>6200</b> that may that may be executed by, for example, one or more components of the computing system <b>5900</b>. Portions of the sensor authentication process <b>6200</b> may be embodied in, for example, computer code and/or electrical circuitry. In block <b>6210</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> determines whether a sensor (e.g., any of the sensors disclosed herein) is within range of an antenna (e.g., any of the antennas disclosed herein). The process <b>6200</b> remains in block <b>6210</b> unless/until a sensor is detected within the antenna's read range. If a sensor is detected at block <b>6210</b>, the process <b>6200</b> reads the sensor identifier in block <b>6212</b>. In block <b>6214</b>, the computing device <b>5900</b> determines if the sensor identifier read in block <b>6212</b> is valid. To do this, the computing device <b>5900</b> may, for example, access a database or lookup table of valid sensor identifiers and determine if the sensor identifier read in block <b>6212</b> is listed in the database or lookup table. If the computing device <b>5900</b> successfully verifies the sensor in block <b>6214</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> begins moisture event monitoring with the verified sensor in block <b>6216</b>. If the sensor is not successfully verified, the computing device transmits a notification indicating the sensor incompatibility (or failure to validate) to a notification device (e.g., a notification device <b>5996</b>, a client computing device <b>5910</b>, etc.). Following block <b>6216</b> or block <b>6218</b>, as the case may be, the computing system <b>5900</b> may return to block <b>6210</b> or the process <b>6200</b> may end.

0201<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 63</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of a sensor event notification process <b>6300</b> that that may be executed by, for example, one or more components of the computing system <b>5900</b>. Portions of the sensor event notification process <b>6300</b> may be embodied in, for example, computer code and/or electrical circuitry. The process <b>6300</b> occurs after the computing system <b>5900</b> has already begun moisture event monitoring. In block <b>6310</b>, the computing device <b>5900</b> determines whether a moisture event is detected by a sensor (e.g., any of the moisture detection sensors described herein). To do this, the computing device <b>5900</b> may, for example, compare a characteristic of the sensor signal (e.g., RSSI) to a known value indicative of a moisture event. Of course, the computing device <b>5900</b> may execute any of the moisture detection algorithms disclosed herein. The process <b>6300</b> remains in block <b>6310</b> if no moisture event is detected. If a moisture event is detected, the computing system <b>5900</b> proceeds to block <b>6312</b> and reads on or more patient characteristics of a patient using the moisture monitoring sensor. To do this, the computing system <b>5900</b> may map a portion of the sensor signal (e.g., a sensor identifier) to a lookup table or query a database to obtain the patient characteristic information for the patient associated with the sensor. The patient characteristic may include, for example, indications of whether the patient is at risk of falling or whether the patient is at risk of having his or her skin break down (e.g., to form pressure sores). In block <b>6314</b>, the computing system <b>5900</b> determines whether the patient whose characteristics are read in block <b>6312</b> has a risk of falling or skin breakdown. If the patient has neither a risk of falling nor a risk of skin breakdown, the computing system <b>5900</b> transmits a non-urgent notification to a caregiver, in block <b>6318</b>. If the patient does have a risk of falling or a risk of skin breakdown (or both), the computing system <b>5900</b> transmits an urgent notification to the caregiver. Following block <b>6316</b> or block <b>6318</b>, as the case may be, the computing system <b>5900</b> may return to block <b>6310</b> or end the process <b>6300</b>.

0202Some of the above embodiments may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, embodiments may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more processors, microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, where the elements of the above embodiments are implemented using software programming or software elements the embodiments may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, assembler, or the like, with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. Furthermore, the embodiments could employ any number of conventional techniques for electronics configuration, signal processing and/or control, data processing and the like. The word mechanism may be used broadly and is not limited to mechanical or physical embodiments, but can include software routines in conjunction with processors, etc.

0203The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, conventional electronics, control systems, software development and other functional aspects of the systems (and components of the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a practical device. Moreover, no item or component is essential to the practice of the invention unless the element is specifically described as “essential” or “critical.” Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments.

0204The order of execution or performance of the operations in embodiments illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments as described may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the invention.

0205Embodiments may be implemented with computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be organized into one or more computer-executable components or modules. Aspects of the disclosure may be implemented with any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or the specific components or modules illustrated in the figures and/or described herein. Other embodiments may include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein.

0206Many other embodiments of the present disclosure are also envisioned. For example, a moisture management apparatus includes a plurality of layers of fabric material comprising a lower layer, a middle layer supported by the lower layer, and an upper layer supported by the middle layer, wherein the upper layer comprises an upper surface configured to interface with a body portion of a person, and the upper surface comprises a hydrophilic material; the upper layer comprises a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and the lower surface comprises a hydrophobic material; the middle layer comprises material that is configured to transfer moisture away from the upper surface and toward the lower layer; the lower layer comprises an upper surface, and the upper surface of the lower layer comprises a hydrophobic material; and a sensor positioned in the lower layer, wherein the sensor is configured to wirelessly indicate the presence of moisture in the moisture management apparatus to another device.

0207In the moisture management apparatus, the lower layer may include an absorbent material proximate the sensor. In the moisture management apparatus, at least the middle layer may include a moisture-wicking fabric. In the moisture management apparatus, at least the middle layer may include a plurality of three-dimensional fibers arranged to direct moisture toward the lower layer. In the moisture management apparatus, the sensor may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor to receive a signal generated by a transceiver that is spaced from the moisture management apparatus and transmit a response to the reference signal to the transceiver. In the moisture management apparatus, the upper and lower layer may cooperate to define an enclosed interior region comprising the middle layer. In the moisture management apparatus, the sensor may wirelessly indicate the presence of moisture in the moisture management apparatus to another device that is spaced from the sensor.

0208In another example, a moisture management apparatus includes a plurality of layers of fabric material including an upper layer configured to interface with a body portion of a person, and a lower layer spaced from the upper layer by a middle layer, wherein the lower layer has a greater ability to absorb moisture than either the middle layer or the upper layer; and a sensor positioned in the lower layer; where the sensor is to wirelessly indicate the presence of moisture in the moisture management apparatus to another device.

0209The moisture management may include a disposable pad. The moisture management apparatus may include a reusable pad. In the moisture management apparatus, a different physico-chemical modification may be applied to each of the upper layer, the middle layer, and the lower layer to provide a moisture absorption gradient configured to direct moisture away from the upper surface of the upper layer and toward the lower layer. In the moisture management apparatus, each of the upper layer, the middle layer, and the lower layer has a different structural arrangement of fibers to provide a moisture absorption gradient configured to direct moisture away from the upper surface of the upper layer and toward the lower layer. In the moisture management apparatus, the lower layer may have a greater ability to absorb moisture than the middle layer, and the middle layer has a greater ability to absorb moisture than the upper layer.

0210In another example, a moisture management apparatus includes a layer of fabric material comprising an arrangement of fluid conducting pathways, each of the fluid conducting pathways to direct fluid to a fluid collecting region of the layer of material; and a sensor positioned in the fluid collecting region; where the sensor is configured to wirelessly indicate the presence of moisture in the moisture management apparatus. In the moisture management apparatus, the layer of fabric material may include a surface modified by a physio-chemical treatment to define the fluid conducting pathways. In the moisture management apparatus, the layer of fabric material may include a plurality of fibers arranged to define the fluid conducting pathways. In the moisture management apparatus, the layer of material may include a plurality of contiguous edges defining a perimeter of the moisture management apparatus, where the fluid collecting region is positioned adjacent one of the edges, and the fluid conducting pathways are configured to direct moisture toward the fluid collecting region. In the moisture management apparatus, the fluid conducting pathways are arranged as rays emanating from the fluid collecting region across the layer of fabric material. In the moisture management apparatus, the layer of material may include a plurality of contiguous edges defining a perimeter of the moisture management apparatus, where the fluid collecting region is spaced from the edges in a central region of the moisture management apparatus, and the fluid conducting pathways are configured to direct moisture toward the sensor. In the moisture management apparatus, the fluid conducting pathways are arranged as closed shapes emanating concentrically from the fluid collecting region toward the perimeter of the moisture management apparatus.

0211In another example, a moisture management apparatus includes a plurality of layers of fabric material, comprising an upper layer, a lower layer, and a middle layer separating the upper layer from the lower layer, wherein: the upper layer has an upper surface configured to interface with a body portion of a person; the upper layer comprises a moisture absorbent material; and the middle layer comprises a moisture impermeable material; a first sensor positioned in the upper layer, wherein the first sensor is configured to wirelessly indicate the presence of moisture in the upper layer to another device; and a second sensor positioned in the lower layer, wherein the second sensor is to wirelessly indicate the presence of the moisture management apparatus to the other device.

0212The moisture management apparatus may include a transceiver to transmit wireless signals for receipt by the first sensor and the second sensor, where the first sensor is positioned so that when a moisture event occurs, moisture in the upper layer prevents the wireless signals from being received by the first sensor. In the moisture management apparatus, the plurality of layers of fabric material may cooperate to define a pad, and the transceiver may be coupled to a support surface that supports the pad. In the moisture management apparatus, the support surface may include a deck section of a person support apparatus. In the moisture management apparatus, the first sensor and the second sensor may include radio frequency identification (RFID) sensors.

Example Clauses

0213RSSI Based Method of Sensor Interrogation for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality

0214Clause 1. A method of detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support, the method including A) providing one or more moisture responsive sensors in a surveillance zone of the occupant support; B) exciting the one or more sensors with an electromagnetic signal; C) monitoring for a response from the one or more sensors; D) comparing the response to an expected response; and E) based on the comparing of the response to the expected response, issuing a first output.

0215Clause 1.1. A method of interrogating one or more sensors to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support including: A) providing one or more moisture responsive sensors in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the one or more sensors being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the one or more sensors with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for a center frequency response from the one or more sensors; D) comparing the center frequency response to an expected center frequency response; and E) if the center frequency response compares favorably to an expected center frequency response, issuing a first output consistent with the favorable comparison.

0216Clause 2. The method of clause 1 or clause 1.1 including: F) if the center frequency response does not compare favorably with the expected center frequency response, exciting the sensor with one or more electromagnetic test signals having test frequencies different than the center frequency and monitoring for a test frequency response at each test frequency and, if the test frequency response from the sensor compares favorably to an expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency, issuing a second output consistent with the favorable comparison between the test frequency response and the expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency; and G) if the test frequency response from the sensor does not compare favorably to an expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency at any of the test frequencies, issuing a third output consistent with the unfavorable comparison between the test frequency response and the expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency.

0217Clause 3. The method of clause 2 wherein the output issued at step F is issued in response to the favorable comparison without first exciting the sensor at any other test frequencies.

0218Clause 4. The method of clause 2 wherein the output issued at step F in response to the favorable comparison is not issued until the sensor has been excited at at least one frequency other than the test frequency that yielded the favorable comparison.

0219Clause 5. The method of clause 1 or clause 1.1 wherein the electromagnetic signals are radio frequency signals.

0220Clause 6. The method of clause 1 or clause 1.1 wherein the one or more sensors is an RFID sensor.

0221Clause 7. The method of clause 1 or clause 1.1 wherein the first output is an indication that an incontinence pad is present and no incontinence is detected.

0222Clause 8. The method of clause 2 wherein the second output is an indication that an incontinence pad is present and incontinence is detected and wherein the third output is an indication that an incontinence pad is absent or a fault has occurred.

0000System for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality

0223Clause 101. A system for detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support including: one or more moisture responsive sensors in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the one or more sensors being tuned to a center frequency; a transceiver adapted to excite the one or more sensors with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency and to monitor for a center frequency response from the one or more sensors; electrical circuitry adapted to compare the center frequency response to an expected center frequency response; and to issue a first output if the center frequency response compares favorably to an expected center frequency response.

0224Clause 102. The system of clause 101 wherein the electrical circuitry is adapted to respond as set forth below if the center frequency response does not compare favorably with the expected center frequency response: A) command the transceiver to excite the sensor with one or more electromagnetic test signals having test frequencies different than the center frequency; B) compare the test frequency response to an expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency; and C) if the test frequency response from the sensor compares favorably to an expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency, issuing a second output consistent with the favorable comparison between the test frequency response and the expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency; and D) if the test frequency response from the sensor does not compare favorably to an expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency at any of the test frequencies, issue a message consistent with the unfavorable comparison between the test frequency response and the expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency.

0225Clause 103. The system of clause 101 wherein the electromagnetic signals are radio frequency signals.

0226Clause 104. The system of clause 101 wherein the one or more sensors is an RFID sensor.

0227Clause 105. The system of clause 104 including an exposed sensor and a protected sensor.

0000Plus Multiple or Multiplexed Sensors

0228Clause 106. The system of clause 101 including two or more sensors at least some of which are individual sensors each coupled to an antenna.

0229Clause 107. The system of clause 106 wherein all of the sensors are individual sensors each coupled to an antenna.

0230Clause 108. The system of clause 101 including two or more sensors at least some of which are individual antenna components of a sensor assembly.

0231Clause 109. The system of clause 106 wherein all of the sensors are individual antenna components of a sensor assembly.

0000Rate of Change Based Method of Sensor Interrogation for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality.

0232Clause 201. A method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support including: A) providing a moisture responsive sensor in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensor being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for a center frequency response from the sensor; D) calculating a rate of change based on the center frequency responses received at different times; E) comparing the rate of change to one or more thresholds; and F) issuing an output depending on the comparison.

0233Clause 202. The method of clause 201 wherein the calculated rate of change is a function of a change in RSSI over an interval of time.

0234Clause 203. The method of clause 202 wherein the calculated rate of change is a function of the difference between two excitation frequencies each of which produces a response having approximately equal RSSI values.

0235Clause 204. The method of clause 201 wherein the electromagnetic signals are radio frequency signals.

0236Clause 205. The method of clause 201 wherein the sensor is an RFID sensor.

0237Clause 206. The method of clause 201 wherein the thresholds are TMOIST and TMOVE and wherein the issued output is as set forth in the table below in which the rate of change is denoted as dR/dt:

0238<tables id="TABLE-US-00006" num="00006"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="28pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="112pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="77pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>Condition</entry><entry>Issued Output</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>dR/dt &lt; TMOIST</entry><entry>First</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>TMOIST ≤ dR/dt &lt; TMOVE</entry><entry>Second</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>TMOVE ≤ dR/dt</entry><entry>Third</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="2" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0239Clause 207. The method of clause 206 wherein the first output is an indication that an incontinence pad is present and no incontinence is detected, the second output is an indication that an incontinence pad is present and incontinence is detected, and the third output is an indication that an incontinence pad is absent.

0000Method of Sensor Interrogation for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality Based on Protected and Exposed Sensors.

0240Clause 301. A method of interrogating a sensor suite to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support including: A) providing first and second moisture responsive sensors in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensors each being tuned to a center frequency, the first sensor being protected from coming into contact with moisture which may be present in the surveillance zone and the second sensor being exposed to coming into contact with moisture which may be present in the surveillance zone; B) exciting the sensors with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to its center frequency; C) monitoring for a center frequency response from the sensors; D) comparing the center frequency responses to an expected center frequency response for each sensor; and E) issuing an output depending on the comparison as set forth below:

0241<tables id="TABLE-US-00007" num="00007"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="77pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>Result of comparison</entry><entry /></row><row><entry>Result of comparison</entry><entry>(response vs. expected</entry></row><row><entry>(response vs. expected</entry><entry>response) for</entry></row><row><entry>response) for first sensor</entry><entry>second sensor</entry><entry>Output</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>no moisture detected</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>sensor detected</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>moisture detected</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>fault</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>sensor not present or</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>sensor moved or fault</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0242Clause 302. The method of clause 301 wherein the electromagnetic signals are radio frequency signals.

0243Clause 303. The method of clause 301 wherein the sensors are RFID sensors.

0000System for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality Based on Protected and Exposed Sensors.

0244Clause 401. A system for detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support including: first and second moisture responsive sensors in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, each sensor being tuned to a center frequency; a transceiver adapted to excite each sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to its center frequency and to monitor for a center frequency response from each sensor; electrical circuitry adapted to compare the center frequency response of the first sensor to an expected center frequency response of the first sensor and to compare the center frequency response of the second sensor to an expected center frequency response of the second sensor; and to issue an output depending on the comparison as set forth below:

0245<tables id="TABLE-US-00008" num="00008"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="77pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>Result of comparison</entry><entry /></row><row><entry>Result of comparison</entry><entry>(response vs. expected</entry></row><row><entry>(response vs. expected</entry><entry>response) for</entry></row><row><entry>response) for first sensor</entry><entry>second sensor</entry><entry>Output</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>no moisture detected</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>sensor detected</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>moisture detected</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>RSSI strong</entry><entry>fault</entry></row><row><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>RSSI weak or absent</entry><entry>sensor not present or</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>sensor moved or fault</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0246Clause 402. The method of clause 401 wherein the electromagnetic signals are radio frequency signals.

0247Clause 403. The method of clause 401 wherein the sensors are RFID sensors.

0248Clause 404. The method of clause 401 wherein each sensor is tuned to approximately the same center frequency.

0000Method of Fluid Analysis

0249Clause 501. A method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support and to analyze moisture which may be present including: A) providing a moisture responsive sensor in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensor being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for a center frequency response from the sensor; D) comparing the center frequency response to an expected center frequency response; and E) if the center frequency response compares favorably to an expected center frequency response, issuing a first output consistent with the favorable comparison; and F) if the center frequency response does not compare favorably with the expected center frequency response, exciting the sensor with one or more electromagnetic test signals having test frequencies different than the center frequency and monitoring for a test frequency response at each test frequency and, G) if the test frequency response from the sensor compares favorably to an expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency, correlating the test frequency response with a relationship of entity, fluid properties or both and issuing a second output consistent with the favorable comparison between the test frequency response and the expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency.

0250Clause 502. The method of clause 501 wherein: H) if the test frequency response from the sensor does not compare favorably to an expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency at any of the test frequencies, issuing a third output consistent with the unfavorable comparison between the test frequency response and the expected test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency.

0251Clause 503. The method of clause 502 wherein the output issued at step G is issued in response to the favorable comparison without first exciting the sensor at any other test frequencies.

0252Clause 504. The method of clause 502 wherein the output issued at step G in response to the favorable comparison is not issued until the sensor has been excited at at least one frequency other than the test frequency that yielded the favorable comparison.

0253Clause 505. The method of clause 501 wherein the first output is an indication that a moisture sensing device is present and no moisture is detected.

0254Clause 506. The method of clause 501 wherein the second output is an indication that a moisture sensing device is present and moisture is detected and wherein the second output is also an indication of the identity of the fluid, the type of fluid or both as defined by the relationship between test frequency response and fluid identity, fluid properties or both.

0255Clause 507 The method of clause 502 wherein the third output is an indication that a moisture sensing device is absent or a fault has occurred.

0000Method for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality Using Multiple RFID's or Other Sensors or Using Multiplexed RFID's or Other Sensors.

0256Clause 601. A method of detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support, displacement of a moisture sensor or both including: A) providing two or more moisture responsive sensors in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensors being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the sensors with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for and receiving center frequency responses from the sensors and recording the individual center frequency responses at a time t=0; D) continuing to excite the sensors and to monitor for and receive responses at time t>t<b>0</b>. E) detecting differences in center frequency response for each sensor at one or more times t>0; and F) analyzing the differences in center frequency response to discern moisture presence, sensor displacement or both.

0257Clause 602. The method of clause 601 wherein the sensors are individual sensors each coupled to an antenna.

0258Clause 603. The method of clause 601 wherein the sensors are individual antenna components of a sensor assembly.

0259Clause 604. The method of clause 601 wherein moisture detection is declared as a result of: A) center frequency response from a first set of one or more sensors having become weaker at a time t>0 relative to the center frequency response of the one or more sensors at an earlier time, and B) the response of a second set of sensors which does not include members of the first set having substantially the same response strength at time t>0 than at the earlier time.

0260Clause 605. The method of clause 601 wherein sensor displacement is declared as a result of center frequency response from substantially all the sensors having become weaker at a time t>0 relative to the center frequency response of the sensors at an earlier time. Method for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality using Multiple RFID's or other sensors or Using Multiplexed RFID's or Other Sensors and based on Highest Return Signal Strength.

0261Clause 701. A method of detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support including: A) providing two or more moisture responsive sensors in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensors being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the sensors with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for and receiving center frequency responses from the sensors and identifying which sensor returns the strongest response; D) continuing to excite the sensors and to monitor for and receive center frequency responses; E) monitoring the sensors for changes in return signal strength in response to the continuing excitation relative to the excitation at step B; and F) analyzing the return signal strengths from the excitation at step B in comparison to those from the excitations at step D and: G) if the analysis of step E demonstrates that the return signal strength of the identified sensor has diminished over time, further analyzing the differences in center frequency response of one or more sensors other than the identified sensor to detect moisture presence or sensor displacement or both.

0000System for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality Using Multiple RFID's or Other Sensors or Using Multiplexed RFID's or Other Sensors.

0262Clause 801. A system for detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support or displacement of a sensor or both including: multiple moisture responsive sensors spatially distributed in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, each sensor being tuned to a center frequency and having at least one antenna; a transceiver adapted to excite the sensors with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency and to monitor for a center frequency response from the sensor; a multiplexer in communication with each antenna and with the transceiver; electrical circuitry adapted to command the transceiver to excite the sensors and to compare the center frequency response of each sensor to an expected center frequency response to detect the presence of moisture on the occupant support or displacement of a sensor or both.

0263Clause 802. The system of clause 801 wherein at least some of the sensors are individual sensors each coupled to an antenna and the electrical circuitry is adapted to command the multiplexer to acquire response signals from each antenna.

0264Clause 803. The system of clause 802 wherein all of the sensors are individual sensors each coupled to an antenna and the electrical circuitry is adapted to command the multiplexer to acquire response signals from each antenna.

0265Clause 804. The system of clause 801 wherein at least some of the two or more sensors are individual antenna components of a sensor assembly and the electrical circuitry is adapted to command the multiplexer to acquire response signals from each antenna component.

0266Clause 805. The system of clause 804 wherein all of the two or more sensors are individual antenna components of a sensor assembly and the electrical circuitry is adapted to command the multiplexer to acquire response signals from each antenna component. Hybrid Incontinence Detection System

0267Clause 901. A system for detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support including: a moisture responsive sensor in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensor being adapted to issue a return signal in response to an electromagnetic excitation signal; a transceiver adapted to excite the sensor with an electromagnetic signal, the transceiver being integrated into the occupant support.

0268Clause 902. The system of clause 901 including an electrical circuitry adapted to receive the return signal and to issue an output based on a relationship between the return signal and the excitation signal

0269Clause 903. The system of clause 901 wherein the electrical circuitry is a component of the transceiver.

0270Clause 904. The system of clause 901 wherein the integrated transceiver is integrated into a bed frame.

0271Clause 905. The system of clause 901 wherein the integrated transceiver is integrated into a mattress portion of the bed.

0272Clause 906. The system of clause 901 wherein the sensor is an RFID tag.

0273Clause 907. The system of clause 901 wherein the sensor is in the form of a sticker.

0274Clause 908. The system of clause 901 wherein the sensor is installed on a pad.

0275Clause 909. The system of clause 901 wherein the transceiver is adapted for communication with a facility information network <b>138</b>.

0276Clause 910. The system of clause 901 wherein the transceiver includes an antenna which loops around the sensor.

0277Clause 911. The system of clause 910 wherein the antenna is selected from the group consisting of metal thread and conductive ink.

0000Fluid Reservoir (Absorbent or Dissolving)

0278Clause 1001. A moisture detection apparatus including: a deposition layer having an exposed side susceptible to moisture contamination and a nonexposed side; a moisture sensor having a moisture responsive element separated from the deposition layer by a reservoir material.

0279Clause 1002. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the reservoir material is adjacent the nonexposed side of the deposition layer.

0280Clause 1003. The apparatus of clause 1001 including a base layer, at least a portion of which is spaced from the deposition layer such that the reservoir material is between the base layer and the deposition layer.

0281Clause 1004. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the reservoir material is a reservoir layer and the sensor resides within the reservoir layer.

0282Clause 1005. The apparatus of clause 1004 including a base layer and wherein the reservoir layer is between the base layer and the deposition layer and the moisture responsive element faces toward the deposition layer.

0283Clause 1006. The apparatus of clause 1004 including a base layer and wherein the reservoir layer is between the base layer and the deposition layer and the moisture responsive element faces toward the base layer.

0284Clause 1007. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the reservoir material is localized and the sensor is encapsulated in the reservoir material.

0285Clause 1008. The apparatus of clause 1007 wherein the reservoir material forms a pocket to encapsulate the sensor.

0286Clause 1009. The apparatus of clause 1007 wherein the reservoir material is a coating which encapsulates the sensor.

0287Clause 1010. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the reservoir material is a coating over at least the moisture responsive element of the sensor.

0288Clause 1011. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the reservoir material is a lining.

0289Clause 1012. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the reservoir material is an absorbent material which retards migration of fluid from a fluid deposition site to the sensor element.

0290Clause 1013. The apparatus of clause 1001 or 1011 wherein the reservoir material is a woven textile.

0291Clause 1014. The apparatus of clause 1011 wherein the woven textile is selected from the group consisting of polyester, cotton and polyamide.

0292Clause 1015. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the reservoir material is a material which dissolves when exposed to moisture thereby retarding migration of the moisture from a fluid deposition site to the sensor element until dissolution of the material is complete enough to expose the sensor element to the fluid.

0293Clause 1016. The apparatus of clause 1001 or 1015 wherein the reservoir material is a polymer with the chemical formula: —(CH₂—CHOR)_n— where R is —H or —COCH₃.

0294Clause 1017. The apparatus of clause 1001 or 1015 wherein the reservoir material has the chemical formula: —(CH₂—CHOR)_n— where R is —H or —COCH₃.

0000Directional Architecture—Capillary.

0295Clause 1101. A moisture handling apparatus including a sheet of material having a capillary property for encouraging moisture migration from a source to a destination.

0296Clause 1102. The apparatus of clause 1101 including capillary tubes which impart the capillary property.

0297Clause 1103. The apparatus of clause 1101 including capillary fibers which impart the capillary property.

0298Clause 1104. The apparatus of clause 1101 wherein the capillary property is spatially arranged so as to encourage moisture migration from a source zone to a destination zone.

0299Clause 1105. The apparatus of clause 1104 wherein the apparatus extends laterally and longitudinally and the capillary property is arranged to define one or more capillary pathways extending substantially exclusively laterally from the source zone to the destination zone.

0300Clause 1106. The apparatus of clause 1104 wherein the apparatus extends laterally and longitudinally and the capillary property is arranged to define one or more capillary pathways extending both laterally and longitudinally from the source zone to the destination zone.

0301Clause 1107. The apparatus of clause 1104 wherein the capillary property is arranged to define one or more capillary pathways extending radially from the source zone to the destination zone.

0302Clause 1108. The apparatus of clause 1104 wherein the source zone is an inboard zone and the destination zone is an outboard zone.

0303Clause 1109. The apparatus of clause 1104 wherein the source zone is an outboard zone and the destination zone is an inboard zone.

0304Clause 1110. The apparatus of clause 1101 wherein the destination zone includes a sensor responsive to the moisture.

0305Clause 1111. The apparatus of clause 1110 wherein the sensor is an RFID technology sensor.

0306Clause 1112. The apparatus of clause 1101 wherein the destination zone includes an indicator responsive to the moisture.

0307Clause 1113. The apparatus of clause 1101 wherein the destination zone includes a collector for collecting the migrated moisture.

0308Clause 1114. The apparatus of clause 1101 wherein the destination zone is a collector for collecting the migrated moisture.

0309Clause 1115. The apparatus of clause 1101 wherein the sheet of material is a microfiber.

0310Clause 1116. The apparatus of clause 1115 wherein the microfiber sheet includes microfibers having a lineic mass of less than about 1 g/10 km.

0311Clause 1117. The apparatus of clause 1115 wherein the microfiber sheet includes microfibers which have a diameter of less than about 9 micrometers.

0312Clause 1118. The apparatus of clause 1115 wherein the microfiber sheet includes microfibers having a lineic mass of less than about 1 g/10 km and a diameter of less than about 9 micrometers.

0313Clause 1119. A system including the apparatus of clause 1101 and also including a sensor at the destination and electrical circuitry for processing information from the sensor.

0000Directional Architecture—Hydroaffinity.

0314Clause 1201. A moisture handling apparatus including a sheet of material having a hydroaffinity property for encouraging moisture migration from a source to a destination.

0315Clause 1202. The apparatus of clause 1201 wherein the hydroaffinity property is spatially arranged so as to encourage moisture migration from a source zone to a destination zone.

0316Clause 1203. The apparatus of clause 1202 wherein the apparatus extends laterally and longitudinally and the hydroaffinity property is arranged to define one or more fluid migration pathways extending substantially exclusively laterally from the source zone to the destination zone.

0317Clause 1204. The apparatus of clause 1202 wherein the apparatus extends laterally and longitudinally and the hydroaffinity property is arranged to define one or more fluid migration pathways extending both laterally and longitudinally from the source zone to the destination zone.

0318Clause 1205. The apparatus of clause 1202 wherein the hydroaffinity property is arranged to define one or more fluid migration pathways extending radially from the source zone to the destination zone.

0319Clause 1206. The apparatus of clause 1202 wherein the source zone is an inboard zone and the destination zone is an outboard zone.

0320Clause 1207. The apparatus of clause 1202 wherein the source zone is an outboard zone and the destination zone is an inboard zone.

0321Clause 1208. The apparatus of clause 1202 wherein the hydroaffinity property is arranged to be more hydrophobic at the source zone and more hydrophilic at the destination zone.

0322Clause 1209. The apparatus of clause 1201 wherein the destination zone includes a sensor responsive to the moisture.

0323Clause 1210. The apparatus of clause 1209 wherein the sensor is an RFID technology sensor.

0324Clause 1211. The apparatus of clause 1201 wherein the destination zone includes an indicator responsive to the moisture.

0325Clause 1212. The apparatus of clause 1201 wherein the destination zone includes a collector for collecting the migrated moisture.

0326Clause 1213. The apparatus of clause 1201 wherein the destination zone is a collector for collecting the migrated moisture.

0327Clause 1214. A system including the apparatus of clause 1201 and also including a sensor at the destination and electrical circuitry for processing information from the sensor. Visual Indicators—Color Changing.

0328Clause 1301. A moisture detecting system including a sheet of material adapted to change color in response to the presence of moisture; a camera for observing the color change or lack thereof and a controller for issuing a response to the color change.

0329Clause 1302. The system of clause 1301 wherein an indicator portion of the sheet of material is adapted to change color in response to the presence of moisture and a transport portion is adapted to transport moisture from a site of deposition thereof to the indicator portion.

0330Clause 1303. The system of clause 1302 wherein the indicator portion is a perimetral portion.

0331Clause 1304. The system of clause 1302 wherein the indicator portion is an edge portion along a lateral side of the sheet.

0000Visual Indicators—UV from any Source, Plus Camera.

0332Clause 1401 A moisture detecting system including: a sheet of material which receives the moisture; a source of ultraviolet radiation adapted to expose at least a target portion of the sheet of material to the ultraviolet radiation; and a camera for observing emission of radiation or lack thereof in response to the presence of moisture within the target region and excitation of the moisture by the ultraviolet radiation; and a controller for responding to the observation.

0333Clause 1402. The system of clause 1401 wherein the source of ultraviolet radiation includes a light tube that extends through the sheet.

0334Clause 1403. The system of clause 1401 wherein the controller periodically activates and deactivates the source of ultraviolet radiation.

0335Clause 1404. The system of clause 1401 wherein the sheet of material is chemically treated to intensify the radiated emission.

0336Visual Indicators—UV from light tube.

0337Clause 1501 A moisture detecting system including: a sheet of material which receives the moisture; a source of ultraviolet radiation adapted to expose at least a target portion of the sheet of material to the ultraviolet radiation, the source including an ultraviolet radiation generator and a light tube that extends through the sheet for distributing the ultraviolet radiation to the target region.

0338Clause 1502. The system of clause 1501 including a camera for observing emission of radiation or lack thereof in response to the presence of moisture within the target region and excitation of the moisture by the ultraviolet radiation; and a controller for responding to the observation.

0339Clause 1503. The system of clause 1501 including a controller which periodically activates and deactivates the source of ultraviolet radiation.

0340Clause 1504. The system of clause 1501 wherein the sheet of material is chemically treated to intensify the radiation emitted in response to the presence of moisture within the target region and excitation of the moisture by the ultraviolet radiation. Multifunctional Sensor Pad

0341Clause 1601. A sensor pad including: at least one RFID tag, the tag including electrical circuitry adapted to process inputs obtained from multiple sensors having disparate sensing capabilities.

0342Clause 1602. The pad of clause 1601 wherein at least one of the sensors is a moisture sensor.

0343Clause 1603. The pad of clause 1601 wherein the RFID tag or tags has a mode of operation indicative of moisture and wherein at least one of the sensors senses a parameter other than moisture.

0344Clause 1604. The pad of clause 1601 wherein the multiple sensors have sensing capabilities selected from the group consisting of moisture, odor, chemical identity identification, chemical property identification, interface pressure, vital signs of a patient associated with the pad, and sound.

0345Clause 1605. The pad of clause 1601 wherein the multiple sensors are selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a piezoelectric device, a piezoresistive device, a vibration sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor and a resistive sensor.

0000Sensor/Switch Closed by Dissolution of Insulator.

0346Clause 1701. A sensor including a switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrically conductive bridge for establishing an electrical connection between the terminals when the bridge contacts the terminals, and a fuse having an open state in which the fuse impedes the establishment of the electrical connection and a closed state in which the fuse enables the establishment of the electrical connection in response to a stimulus acting on the fuse.

0347Clause 1702. The sensor of clause 1701 wherein the fuse includes an insulator for impeding the establishment of the electrical connection, the insulator being dissolvable in response to the presence of urine thereon.

0348Clause 1703. The sensor of clause 1701 wherein the stimulus is the presence of urine on the fuse.

0349Sensor Mat with Sensor/Switch Closed by Dissolution of Insulator.

0350Clause 1801. A sensor mat including: a sensor including a switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrically conductive bridge for establishing an electrical connection between the terminals when the bridge contacts the terminals, and a fuse having an open state in which the fuse impedes the establishment of the electrical connection and a closed state in which the fuse enables the establishment of the electrical connection in response to a stimulus acting on the fuse; a battery; and a load; the switch being connected to the load and to the battery, the battery also being connected to the load.

0351Clause 1802. A sensor mat including: a sensor including a switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrically conductive bridge for establishing an electrical connection between the terminals when the bridge contacts the terminals, and a fuse having an open state in which the fuse impedes the establishment of the electrical connection and a closed state in which the fuse enables the establishment of the electrical connection in response to a stimulus acting on the fuse; and a battery; the switch being connected to the battery, the switch being connectable to a load; and the battery also being connectable to the load.

0352Clause 1803. A sensor mat including: a sensor including a switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrically conductive bridge for establishing an electrical connection between the terminals when the bridge contacts the terminals, and a fuse having an open state in which the fuse impedes the establishment of the electrical connection and a closed state in which the fuse enables the establishment of the electrical connection in response to a stimulus acting on the fuse, the switch being connectable to a battery and to a load.

0353Clause 1804. The sensor of clauses 1801, 1802 or 1803 wherein the load is an alarm.

0000RFID with Antenna Segments United by Dissolution of Insulator.

0354Clause 1901. A sensor including an RFID tag, the tag including at least two antenna segments, a bridge adapted to unite the segments, and a separator which is transitionable between a first state in which the separator impedes unification of the segments and a second state in which the separator does not impede unification of the segments, transition from the first state to the second state being in response to an agent acting on the separator.

0355Clause 1902. The sensor of clause 1901 wherein the agent is the presence of urine in contact with the separator.

0356Clause 1903. The sensor of clause 1901 wherein the agent is urine in contact with the separator and the separator is adapted to dissolve in response to urine being in contact with the separator.

0357Clause 1904. The sensor of clause 1901 including electrical circuitry.

0358Clause 1905. The sensor of clause 1901 including an adjunct sensor in communication with the electrical circuitry.

0359Clause 2000. A moisture management apparatus including: a plurality of layers of fabric material including a lower layer, a middle layer supported by the lower layer, and an upper layer supported by the middle layer, wherein: the upper layer includes an upper surface configured to interface with a body portion of a person, and the upper surface includes a hydrophilic material; the upper layer includes a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and the lower surface includes a hydrophobic material; the middle layer includes material that is configured to transfer moisture away from the upper surface and toward the lower layer; the lower layer includes an upper surface, and the upper surface of the lower layer includes a hydrophobic material; and a sensor positioned in the lower layer, wherein the sensor is to wirelessly indicate the presence of moisture in the moisture management apparatus to another device.

0360Clause 2001. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2000, wherein the lower layer includes an absorbent material proximate the sensor.

0361Clause 2002. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2000, wherein at least the middle layer includes a moisture-wicking fabric.

0362Clause 2003. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2000, wherein at least the middle layer includes a plurality of three-dimensional fibers arranged to direct moisture toward the lower layer.

0363Clause 2004. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2000, wherein the sensor includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor to receive a signal generated by a transceiver that is spaced from the moisture management apparatus and transmit a response to the reference signal to the transceiver.

0364Clause 2005. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2000, wherein the upper and lower layer cooperate to define an enclosed interior region including the middle layer.

0365Clause 2006. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2000, wherein the sensor wirelessly indicates the presence of moisture in the moisture management apparatus to another device that is spaced from the sensor.

0366Clause 2007. A moisture management apparatus including: a plurality of layers of fabric material including an upper layer to interface with a body portion of a person, and a lower layer spaced from the upper layer by a middle layer, wherein the lower layer has a greater ability to absorb moisture than either the middle layer or the upper layer; and a sensor positioned in the lower layer; wherein the sensor is to wirelessly indicate the presence of moisture in the moisture management apparatus to another device.

0367Clause 2008. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2007, wherein the moisture management apparatus includes a disposable pad.

0368Clause 2009. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2007, wherein the moisture management apparatus includes a reusable pad.

0369Clause 2010. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2007, wherein a different physico-chemical modification is applied to each of the upper layer, the middle layer, and the lower layer to provide a moisture absorption gradient to direct moisture away from the upper surface of the upper layer and toward the lower layer.

0370Clause 2011. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2007, wherein each of the upper layer, the middle layer, and the lower layer has a different structural arrangement of fibers to provide a moisture absorption gradient configured to direct moisture away from the upper surface of the upper layer and toward the lower layer.

0371Clause 2012. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2007, wherein the lower layer has a greater ability to absorb moisture than the middle layer, and the middle layer has a greater ability to absorb moisture than the upper layer.

0372Clause 2013. A moisture management apparatus including: a layer of fabric material including an arrangement of fluid conducting pathways, each of the fluid conducting pathways to direct fluid to a fluid collecting region of the layer of material; and a sensor positioned in the fluid collecting region; wherein the sensor is to wirelessly indicate the presence of moisture in the moisture management apparatus.

0373Clause 2014. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2013, wherein the layer of fabric material includes a surface modified by a physio-chemical treatment to define the fluid conducting pathways.

0374Clause 2015. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2013, wherein the layer of fabric material includes a plurality of fibers arranged to define the fluid conducting pathways.

0375Clause 2016. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2013, wherein the layer of material includes a plurality of contiguous edges defining a perimeter of the moisture management apparatus, the fluid collecting region is positioned adjacent one of the edges, and the fluid conducting pathways are configured to direct moisture toward the fluid collecting region.

0376Clause 2017. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2016, wherein the fluid conducting pathways are arranged as rays emanating from the fluid collecting region across the layer of fabric material.

0377Clause 2018. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2013, wherein the layer of material includes a plurality of contiguous edges defining a perimeter of the moisture management apparatus, the fluid collecting region is spaced from the edges in a central region of the moisture management apparatus, and the fluid conducting pathways are configured to direct moisture toward the sensor.

0378Clause 2019. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2018, wherein the fluid conducting pathways are arranged as closed shapes emanating concentrically from the fluid collecting region toward the perimeter of the moisture management apparatus.

0379Clause 2020. A moisture management apparatus including: a plurality of layers of fabric material, including an upper layer, a lower layer, and a middle layer separating the upper layer from the lower layer, wherein: the upper layer has an upper surface configured to interface with a body portion of a person; the upper layer includes a moisture absorbent material; and the middle layer includes a moisture impermeable material; a first sensor positioned in the upper layer, wherein the first sensor is to wirelessly indicate the presence of moisture in the upper layer to another device; and a second sensor positioned in the lower layer, wherein the second sensor is to wirelessly indicate the presence of the moisture management apparatus to the other device.

0380Clause 2021. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2020, including a transceiver to transmit wireless signals for receipt by the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein the first sensor is positioned so that when a moisture event occurs, moisture in the upper layer prevents the wireless signals from being received by the first sensor.

0381Clause 2022. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2020, wherein the plurality of layers of fabric material cooperate to define a pad, and the transceiver is coupled to a support surface that supports the pad.

0382Clause 2023. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2020, wherein the support surface includes a deck section of a person support apparatus.

0383Clause 2024. The moisture management apparatus of clause 2020, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor include radio frequency identification (RFID) sensors.

0384Clause 3165. A patient support apparatus including a frame; a deck supported by the frame, the deck to support a patient in at least a horizontal position; and a moisture management apparatus supported by the frame or the deck, the moisture management apparatus including: a moisture-responsive sensor to detect the presence of patient-produced moisture in an area supported by the frame or the deck; and electrical circuitry to communicate a moisture detection indication to a user interface device in response to a detecting by the sensor of patient-produced moisture in the area supported by the frame or the deck.

0385Clause 3166. The patient support apparatus of clause 3165, wherein the moisture-responsive sensor is to receive a first electromagnetic signal transmitted by the electrical circuitry, the moisture-responsive sensor is to transmit a second electromagnetic signal in response to the first electromagnetic signal, and the electrical circuitry is to generate the moisture detection indication based on the first and second electromagnetic signals.

0386Clause 3167. The patient support apparatus of clause 3165 or 3166, including a patient support surface supported by the deck, wherein the patient support surface includes the moisture-responsive sensor.

0387Clause 3168. The patient support apparatus of clause 3167, including an antenna to receive the second electromagnetic signal.

0388Clause 3169. The patient support apparatus of clause 3168, wherein the moisture-responsive sensor is located in the patient support surface and the antenna is supported by the frame or the deck of the patient support apparatus.

0389Clause 3170. The patient support apparatus of clause 3165 or clause 3166, wherein the deck includes a head section, a seat section, and a foot section, and the antenna is supported by the seat section of the deck.

0390Clause 3171. The patient support apparatus of clause 3166, wherein the patient support surface includes a moisture absorbent pad having a border defined by a plurality of spaced-apart edges, and the moisture-responsive sensor is located adjacent the border of the pad.

0391Clause 3172. The patient support apparatus of clause 3171, wherein the moisture absorbent pad includes a moisture-directing circuit coupled to the moisture-responsive sensor, and wherein the moisture-directing circuit is arranged in a serpentine pattern across a substantially planar surface of the moisture absorbent pad.

0392Clause 3173. The patient support apparatus of clause 3171, wherein the moisture absorbent pad includes spaced-apart substantially planar top and bottom surfaces defining an interior region, and wherein the moisture-responsive sensor is spaced-apart from both the top and bottom surfaces and the moisture-responsive sensor is positioned in the interior region.

0393Clause 3174. The patient support apparatus of clause 3165 or clause 3166, wherein the electrical circuitry is to communicate the moisture detection indication to a network for use by a healthcare communication system.

0394Clause 3175. The patient support apparatus of clause 3165, or clause 3166, wherein the electrical circuitry is to wirelessly communicate the moisture detection indication to a mobile computing device including the user interface device.

0395Clause 3176. The patient support apparatus of clause 3165 or clause 3166, wherein the user interface device is coupled to the frame of the patient support apparatus.

0396Clause 3177. The patient support apparatus of clause 3165, 3175, or clause 3176, wherein the user interface device includes an input mechanism to select one of a plurality of moisture levels for monitoring by the moisture management apparatus.

0397Clause 3178. The patient support apparatus of claim <b>3177</b>, wherein the electrical circuitry is to communicate the moisture detection indication only when the moisture-responsive sensor detects an amount of moisture that meets or exceeds the selected moisture level.

0398Clause 3179. The patient support apparatus of clause 3165 or clause 3166, wherein the electrical circuitry is to detect the presence or absence of the moisture-responsive sensor on the patient support apparatus.

0399Clause 3180. The patient support apparatus of clause 3179, wherein the electrical circuitry is to communicate a sensor present indication to the user interface device in response to detecting the presence of the moisture-responsive sensor on the patient support apparatus, and the user interface device is to visually present the sensor present indication on the user interface device.

0400Clause 3181. A user interface device for a patient support apparatus, the user interface device including: a housing defining an interior region; electrical circuitry in the interior region, the electrical circuitry to receive a signal from a moisture management apparatus, the moisture management apparatus to monitor an amount of patient-generated moisture in an area supported by the patient support apparatus, the signal indicating data relating to the operation of a moisture-responsive sensor of the moisture management apparatus; and a visual indicator supported by the housing, the visual indicator to activate in response to a receiving of the signal by the electrical circuitry.

0401Clause 3182. The user interface device of clause 3181, including a plurality of input mechanisms supported by the housing, wherein each of the user interface mechanisms is to select a different amount of moisture to be monitored by the moisture management apparatus.

0402Clause 3183. The user interface device of clause 3181 or clause 3182, wherein the electrical circuitry is to receive a sensor present signal from the moisture management apparatus, the sensor present signal indicating that the moisture-responsive sensor is positioned on the patient support apparatus, and wherein the visual indicator includes a light to illuminate in response to the sensor present signal.

0403Clause 3184. The user interface device of clause 3181 or clause 3182, including a graphical user interface to graphically display data indicating one or more areas of moisture detected by the moisture management apparatus in the area supported by the patient support apparatus.

0404Clause 3185. The user interface device of clause 3181 or clause 3182, wherein the user interface device is embodied in a mobile computing device.

0405Clause 4101. A moisture management apparatus for monitoring an area for the occurrence of moisture events in the area, the moisture management apparatus including: a substrate having a length and a width, the length and the width defining a monitoring area; a wireless sensor coupled to the substrate; a first electrically conductive trace supported by the substrate and connected to an first input of the wireless sensor, the first electrically conductive trace comprising a plurality of segments connected end-to-end in a continuous manner to form a first pattern across the monitoring area; and a second electrically conductive trace supported by the substrate and connected to a second input of the wireless sensor, the second electrically conductive trace comprising a plurality of segments connected end-to-end in a continuous manner to form a second pattern across the monitoring area, wherein: a segment of the second pattern is spaced apart from a segment of the first pattern by a distance; the distance between the segment of the second pattern and the segment of the first pattern is defined by a moisture management criterion; and the wireless sensor is configured to, in response to the presence of moisture between the segment of the second pattern and the segment of the first pattern, emit a signal indicative of a moisture event.

0406Clause 4102. The moisture management apparatus of claim <b>1</b>, wherein the wireless sensor is configured to emit the signal indicative of a moisture event in response to a triggering signal received wirelessly by the sensor from a wireless signal transmitter.

0407Clause 4103. The moisture management apparatus of claim <b>1</b> or claim <b>2</b>, wherein a segment of the second pattern is interposed between two segments of the first pattern, and the interposed segment of the second pattern is spaced apart from each of the two segments of the first pattern by the distance.

0408Clause 4104. The moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>3</b>, wherein a segment of the first pattern is connected to another segment of the first pattern to form an angle that is less than 180 degrees.

0409Clause 4105. The moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>4</b>, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive traces comprises an electrically conductive material coupled to a top surface of the substrate.

0410Clause 4106. The moisture management apparatus of claim <b>5</b>, wherein the electrically conductive material comprises an electrically conductive ink, and the electrically conductive ink is printed on the substrate.

0411Clause 4107. The moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>6</b>, wherein the substrate comprises a support material configured to, when the moisture management apparatus supports a portion of a patient's weight, increase the patient's peak interface sacral pressure by an amount that is less than or equal to about 15 millimeters of mercury (mm/Hg).

0412Clause 4108. The moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>7</b>, wherein the substrate comprises a synthetic resin or a thermoplastic polymer material.

0413Clause 4109. The moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>8</b>, wherein the substrate comprises a film material having a thickness in the range of about one millimeter.

0414Clause 4110. The moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>9</b>, comprising a detuning apparatus coupled to the sensor.

0415Clause 4111. The moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>10</b>, wherein the sensor comprises a first connection point to which an end of the first electrically conductive trace is connected and a second connection point to which an end of the second electrically conductive trace is connected, the first and second connection points are separated by a gap, and the gap is sized to maintain a distance between the first electrically conductive trace and the second electrically conductive trace.

0416Clause 4112. The moisture management apparatus of claim <b>11</b>, wherein the gap is sized to prevent an electrical connection between the first electrically conductive trace and the second electrically conductive trace from occurring in the absence of a moisture event.

0417Clause 4113. The moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>12</b>, wherein the sensor comprises an authentication mechanism configured to wirelessly communicate sensor authentication information for receipt by another device.

0418Clause 4114. The moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>13</b>, wherein the moisture management criterion comprises a moisture-related property of the substrate.

0419Clause 4115. An incontinence pad comprising the moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>14</b>, a layer of moisture absorbent material supported by the moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>14</b>, and a layer of a moisture impermeable material supporting the moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>14</b> and the layer of moisture absorbent material.

0420Clause 4116. The moisture management apparatus of claim <b>15</b>, wherein the moisture management criterion comprises a moisture-related property of the moisture absorbent material of the incontinence pad.

0421Clause 4117. The moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>16</b>, wherein the sensor comprises a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor to emit the sensor signal at a frequency configured for monitoring moisture events.

0422Clause 4118. The moisture management apparatus of any of claims <b>1</b>-<b>17</b>, wherein the first electrically conductive trace and a second electrically conductive trace are differently electrically charged.

0423Clause 4119. A moisture event communication system, the moisture event communication system including: an antenna configured to wirelessly receive a sensor signal emitted by a sensor located in an area monitored by the antenna, the sensor signal emitted by the sensor in response to a moisture event occurring in the monitored area, the sensor signal indicative of the moisture event; and a reader configured to: wirelessly receive the sensor signal from the antenna; selectively control power to the antenna to cause the antenna to receive signals from the sensor; and transmit the sensor signal received by the antenna to a notification device.

0424Clause 4120. The moisture event communication system of claim <b>19</b>, wherein the antenna is configured to wirelessly receive a sensor identifier signal emitted by the sensor and the reader is configured to: verify the sensor identifier signal; and in response to the verification of the sensor identifier signal, transmit the sensor signal received by the antenna to the notification device.

0425Clause 4121. The moisture event communication system of claim <b>19</b> or claim <b>20</b>, comprising a plurality of antennas, wherein the reader is configured to selectively control power to each of the antennas to define a plurality of different moisture event monitoring zones.

0426Clause 4122. The moisture event communication system of any of claims <b>19</b>-<b>21</b>, comprising a plurality of antennas, wherein the reader is configured to selectively control power to each of the antennas to define a plurality of different monitoring zones, wherein at least two of the monitoring zones monitor different types of sensor events.

0427Clause 4123. The moisture event communication system of any of claims <b>19</b>-<b>22</b>, comprising a patient support surface, wherein the antenna is positioned adjacent to the patient support surface, and the reader is configured to control power to the antenna to define a moisture event monitoring zone above the patient support surface.

0428Clause 4124. The moisture event communication system of any of claims <b>19</b>-<b>23</b>, comprising a patient support apparatus, a first antenna, and a second antenna, wherein the patient support apparatus comprises a frame and a deck supported by a frame, a first antenna is mounted to the deck, a second antenna is mounted to the frame, and the reader is configured to control power to the first and second antennas to define a plurality of different monitoring zones adjacent the patient support apparatus.

0429Clause 4125. The moisture event communication system of claim <b>24</b>, wherein the reader is configured to control power to the first and second antennas to define a first monitoring zone located above the deck and a second monitoring zone extending in a horizontal direction from a side of the patient support apparatus a distance away from the patient support apparatus.

0430Clause 4126. The moisture event communication system of claim <b>25</b>, wherein the second monitoring zone further extends in a vertical direction from a top surface of the patient support apparatus downwardly toward a floor supporting the patient support apparatus.

0431Clause 4127. The moisture event communication system of any of claims <b>19</b>-<b>26</b>, wherein the sensor comprises a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor to emit the sensor signal at a frequency configured for monitoring moisture events, and the antenna comprises a passive radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to operate at a power level to receive the sensor signal emitted by the sensor at the frequency configured for monitoring moisture events.

0432Clause 4128. The moisture event communication system of any of claims <b>19</b>-<b>27</b>, wherein the reader is to selectively control the power to the antenna and control the frequency at which the sensor emits sensor signals in accordance with antenna power and sensor frequency requirements for monitoring a particular type of sensor event.

0433Clause 4129. The moisture event communication system of any of claims <b>19</b>-<b>28</b>, wherein the reader is to determine how frequently to communicate sensor signals emitted by the sensor to the notification device based on one or more of: a characteristic of a patient associated with the sensor and a characteristic of a caregiver associated with the patient, and the reader is to transmit the sensor signals to the notification device according to the determined communication frequency.

0434Clause 4130. A patient support apparatus including: a frame; a deck supported by the frame, the deck to support a patient in at least a horizontal position; and an antenna coupled to a top surface of the deck, the antenna configured to wirelessly receive a sensor signal emitted by a sensor and wirelessly transmit the sensor signal to a reader, the sensor signal emitted by the sensor in response to a moisture event occurring in a moisture event monitoring area located adjacent the deck, the sensor signal indicative of the moisture event.

0435Clause 4131. The patient support apparatus of claim <b>30</b>, wherein the deck includes a head section, a foot section, and a seat section located between the head section and the foot section, and wherein the antenna is mounted to a top surface of the seat section of the deck.

0436Clause 4132. The patient support apparatus of claim <b>30</b> or claim <b>31</b>, including a patient support surface supported by the deck, wherein the antenna is located between the deck and the patient support surface.

0437Clause 4133. The patient support apparatus of any of claims <b>30</b>-<b>32</b>, including a second antenna mounted to the frame, wherein the second antenna is to wirelessly receive a sensor signal emitted by a sensor located in a different monitoring area than the moisture event monitoring area.

0438Clause 4134. The patient support apparatus of claim <b>33</b>, including the reader, wherein the reader is to selectively vary an amount of power supplied to the antenna and the second antenna.

0439Clause 4135. The patient support apparatus of any of claims <b>30</b>-<b>33</b>, including the reader, wherein the reader is to selectively vary an amount of power supplied to the antenna.

0440Clause 4136. The patient support apparatus of any of claims <b>30</b>-<b>35</b>, including a visual indicator mounted to the frame, wherein the visual indicator is configured to visually indicate an occurrence of the moisture event.

0441Clause 4137. A method for monitoring a plurality of different types of sensor events with a patient support apparatus, the patient support apparatus configured to support patients in at least a horizontal position, the method including: with an antenna coupled to the patient support apparatus, wirelessly receiving a signal from a sensor located adjacent the patient support apparatus, the signal indicative of a sensor type; with a reader coupled to the patient support apparatus: wirelessly receiving the sensor signal from the antenna; if the sensor type indicates that the sensor is to monitor patient moisture events, power the antenna to monitor for moisture events; and if the sensor type indicates that the sensor is to monitor patient fall events, power the antenna to monitor for patient fall events.

0442Clause 4138. The method of claim <b>37</b>, comprising, with the antenna, wirelessly receiving an identification signal identifying the sensor, verifying the identification signal, and if the identification signal is successfully verified, initiating the monitoring for sensor events based on the sensor type.

0443Clause 4139. The method of claim <b>37</b> or claim <b>38</b>, comprising, with the antenna and the reader, detecting a patient moisture event, reading a characteristic of the patient producing the patient moisture event, and if the characteristic indicates that the patient has a fall risk, sending an urgent notification to a caregiver.

0444Clause 4140. The method of claim <b>37</b> or claim <b>38</b>, comprising, with the antenna and the reader, detecting a patient moisture event, reading a characteristic of the patient producing the patient moisture event wherein if the characteristic indicates that the patient has a risk of skin breakdown, sending an urgent notification to a caregiver.

0445Clause 4141. The method of claim <b>37</b> or claim <b>38</b>, wherein if the characteristic does not indicate that the patient has a risk of skin breakdown and the characteristic does not indicate that the patient has a fall risk, sending a non-urgent notification to a caregiver.

0446While certain features have been described in the context of certain illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that such features may be adopted or applied to any of the disclosed embodiments or to other embodiments.